Silmy Karim Allegedly Received Regular Payments Since Director General Role

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has accused Silmy Karim, who recently transitioned from Director General of Immigration to Vice Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary Affairs, of receiving regular illicit payments. These alleged collections occurred from his tenure as Director General in 2023-2024 and continued into his role as Vice Minister in 2025-2026.

The accusations stem from witness testimonies and Karim's own statements during investigations following his arrest on June 2-3. KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, stated that the alleged routine collections, amounting to approximately 100 million rupiah every Friday, were "systemic" and "deep-rooted."

During the period of 2022-2026, the KPK estimates that officials within the Directorate General of Immigration or the Ministry of Immigration received at least 145.5 billion rupiah. These funds were allegedly collected directly, through transfers, or via intermediaries, in exchange for facilitating residency permits for foreign nationals.

Karim, along with seven other immigration officials, has been named a suspect in a case involving alleged extortion related to foreign residency permits and/or receiving gratuities. The KPK is also investigating potential money laundering charges and examining whether similar practices occurred under previous administrations. Karim has not yet issued a statement through his lawyer, and he remained silent when approached by media after his arrest and during his transfer to a detention vehicle.