Illegal Fees for Expedited Foreigner Stay Permits Uncovered in Silmy Karim Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered illegal fees used to expedite the processing of stay permits for foreign nationals in the extortion and gratification case involving former Deputy Minister of Imigras, Silmy Karim. The illegal charges ranged between Rp 1 million and Rp 1.5 million per person.

As reported, Silmy Karim, along with seven others, has been named as suspects under charges of extortion and gratification. Investigators have seized various pieces of evidence, including foreign currency (US Dollars and Singapore Dollars), precious metals, and several vehicles. The eight suspects include high-ranking officials within the Directorate General of Immigration and the Ministry of Imigras, such as Saffar Muhammad Godam, Jaya Saputra, and others.

The KPK spokesperson, Budi Prasetyo, stated that the illegal ‘expediting’ fees varied depending on the required processing route. While official regulations stipulate that stay permit processing should take between three to seven days, these illegal fees were used to bypass standard procedures.

Silmy Karim’s role involves alleged extortion during his tenure as Director General of Immigration (2023-2024). It is alleged that he demanded ‘quotas’ from the processing of foreign nationals’ stay permits through Jaya Saputra, the Director of Stay Permits. Following these orders, subordinates were tasked with collecting ‘extra fees’ from foreign nationals. The KPK claims that between 2022 and 2026, the parties involved received at least Rp 145.5 billion through direct cash, transfers, or intermediaries. Furthermore, it is estimated that Silmy Karim personally received approximately Rp 100 million per week, distributed every Friday.