Former Deputy Minister Silmy Karim Undergoes First Interrogation Following KPK Detention

Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services (Imipas), Silmy Karim, underwent his first interrogation today after being named a suspect and detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The allegations involve suspected extortion related to foreign national (WNA) stay permits and/or the receipt of gratifications between 2022 and 2026.

Silmy arrived at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, at 3:00 PM WIB, escorted by prison guards and a police officer. Holding case files, he bypassed reporters and proceeded directly to the second floor of the KPK headquarters for questioning. The KPK has detained Silmy for an initial 20-day period, effective from Thursday, 4 June 2026.

In addition to Silmy, the KPK is prosecuting seven other suspects, including the Acting Director General of Immigration for the 2024-2025 period, Saffar Muhammad Godam; Director of Stay Permits, Jaya Saputra; and several sub-directorate officials and immigration heads. The suspects are charged with violating Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, in conjunction with Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the Criminal Code (KUHP).

The case involving alleged extortion and bribery within the Directorate General of Immigration was uncovered through a sting operation (OTT) conducted in Jakarta, West Java, and Bali on 2-3 June 2026. As part of the ongoing investigation, the KPK searched Silmy Karim’s residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Friday (5/6).

Investigators seized significant evidence, including two sports cars, ten motorcycles ranging from Vespas to Harley Davidsons, seven bicycles, and various pieces of jewellery. Furthermore, the KPK seized an undisclosed amount of Indonesian Rupiah and foreign currencies, including US Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Euros, and Yen.

Silmy’s lawyer, Sahala Siahaan, commented on the legal proceedings, stating that they are considering a pretrial motion (Praperadilan) to challenge the KPK’s enforcement process. “The option for pretrial is not an immediate necessity, but it remains under consideration. Our focus is on providing legal assistance and support to him,” said Sahala at Silmy’s residence.