Indonesian Deputy Minister Simly Karim Named Corruption Suspect

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Simly Karim, is now a suspect in a corruption investigation, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced. Karim was detained following a sting operation in West Jakarta targeting the processing of permits for foreign nationals seeking residency in Indonesia.

Footage showed Karim being escorted to a detention vehicle after approximately 10 hours of questioning. He appeared in the KPK's signature orange vest, his hands bound by handcuffs. Karim declined to answer questions from the media. Also detained is Saffar Muhammad Godam, who previously served as the acting Director General of Immigration between 2024 and 2025.

The KPK indicated that the alleged criminal acts by Karim occurred during his tenure as the Director General of Immigration within the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, from 2023 to 2024. Karim was appointed Director General on January 4, 2023, and concluded his term on October 21, 2024, shortly before his appointment as Deputy Minister.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the timeframe of the alleged offenses but withheld specific details on the charges, stating that an "expose" or case review was ongoing. Potential charges could include extortion under Article 12e, bribery, or other forms of receiving illicit payments. The KPK also seized assets including four cars, nine motorcycles, and seven bicycles linked to the operation, along with foreign currency and gold.

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Regarding the construction of the charges and articles, we will wait because tonight the expose (case review) will still be conducted. Whether the charges will be Article 12e extortion, bribery, or other receipts, we will wait. We will update later.