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KPK Clarifies Details of Money Seized from Deputy Minister's Home, Refutes Viral Claims
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

KPK Clarifies Details of Money Seized from Deputy Minister's Home, Refutes Viral Claims

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) clarified that viral social media images of stacked foreign currency were not from their search of Indonesian Deputy Minister of Immigration Silmy Karim's home.
  • KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that during the search on June 5, 2026, investigators seized Rp59 million, US$12,200, EUR1,250, and JPY80,000 in cash, along with jewelry, bicycles, and vehicles.
  • Eight individuals are currently being processed for alleged extortion and bribery related to immigration permits between 2022 and 2026.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has refuted viral social media claims depicting large stacks of foreign currency seized from the home of Indonesian Deputy Minister of Immigration Silmy Karim. The KPK clarified that the widely circulated images are misleading and not related to their investigation.

We are clarifying that the photos of stacks of foreign currency that are widely circulating on social media are not part of the KPK's search activities at the home of SK [Silmy Karim].

— Budi PrasetyoKPK Spokesperson, clarifying viral images

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that during the search conducted on Friday, June 5, 2026, investigators did seize cash, but the amounts were significantly less than what was depicted online. The seized funds included Rp59 million, US$12,200, EUR1,250, and JPY80,000. In addition to currency, investigators also secured jewelry, bicycles, and various vehicles, including motorcycles and cars.

Prasetyo stated that the viral photos did not originate from the KPK's search of Karim's residence. This clarification aims to correct misinformation circulating online, which had described a room filled with cash, luxury cars, and motorcycles.

Namely, rupiah cash amounting to Rp59 million; US$12,200; EUR1,250, and JPY80,000.

— Budi Prasetyodetailing the cash seized during the search

The investigation involves eight individuals implicated in alleged extortion and bribery concerning foreign national residency permits and gratuities within the Directorate General of Immigration from 2022 to 2026. These individuals include Silmy Karim, acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam, and several other directors and officials. They face charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.

Besides money, several pieces of jewelry; bicycles; and motor vehicles ranging from Vespas, superbikes, to sports cars were also secured.

— Budi Prasetyolisting other items seized during the search
DistantNews Editorial

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

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