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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Indonesian anti-graft agency probes alleged corruption in foreign permit processing

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating alleged corruption in the processing of foreign resident permits.
  • Investigators searched three locations and seized documents, electronic evidence, and cash related to the case.
  • Silmy Karim, former acting Director-General of Immigration, and seven other officials are suspects in a bribery scheme involving at least Rp 357 billion.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is actively investigating a corruption case involving the alleged illicit processing of foreign resident permits. The investigation centers on allegations of bribery and extortion within the Directorate General of Immigration, with former acting Director-General Silmy Karim and seven other officials named as suspects.

The investigation of witnesses from the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Facilities will be carried out at the KPK's Merah Putih Building, Jakarta.

— Budi PrasetyoKPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo detailing the ongoing witness examinations in the corruption case.

Investigators recently conducted searches at three locations, including an immigration office and the residence of a suspect identified as Juniadi Sri Priambudi. During these searches, authorities seized various forms of evidence, including documents, electronic devices, and a significant amount of cash amounting to tens of millions of rupiah. These seizures are crucial to the ongoing probe into the alleged illegal activities.

Investigators conducted searches at three locations, namely at the immigration office, the West Jakarta Immigration Office, and the suspect JSP's house.

— BudiSpokesperson Budi describing the recent search operations conducted by KPK investigators.

The KPK's investigation is reportedly an expansion of a previous case related to the Ministry of Manpower. The alleged corruption scheme, which occurred during Silmy Karim's tenure as Director-General of Immigration from 2023 to 2024, is believed to have generated at least Rp 357 billion. Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) data indicates that these funds flowed through 96 bank accounts between 2019 and 2025, allegedly originating from applicants seeking immigration services.

The investigation of this case is a development of the case at the Ministry of Manpower.

— Setyo BudiyantoKPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto explaining the connection of the current investigation to a previous case.

According to the KPK, the alleged illegal practices involved multiple officials and staff members at various levels within the Directorate General of Immigration. Evidence suggests that officials like Jaya Saputra allegedly instructed subordinates, including Bagus Bramantyo and Tessar Bayu Setyaji, to collect "extra fees" for processing temporary stay permits for foreign nationals. The KPK aims to uncover the full extent of this alleged bribery network and hold those involved accountable.

The funds allegedly came from applicants for immigration services.

— SetyoKPK Chairman Setyo explaining the alleged source of the illicit funds.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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