Immigration Minister Issues Stern Warning to Staff Prior to KPK Corruption Bust
Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Silmy Karim, has been implicated in a bribery and gratification case by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). It has emerged that nearly a month ago, Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Agus Andrianto, had issued a stern warning to his subordinates regarding legal violations.
Minister Agus frequently calls on his staff to clean up and reform their conduct as civil servants during speeches and briefings. However, during an analysis and evaluation meeting in early May, his directive included explicit threats of criminal prosecution. “I remind you, this institution belongs to you. Who else will protect it? I am not hesitant to pursue criminal charges against those who persist in such actions,” Minister Agus stated, as seen in a video shared on his official Instagram account.
The Minister expressed gratitude to those providing excellent service and supporting the ‘Asta Cita’ programme, but issued a final warning to those acting against the ‘PRIMA’ values—Professional, Responsive, Integrity, Modern, and Accountable. “To those doing well, thank you. To those who are not yet aware, wake up! Do not be shocked to find yourself in prison,” he warned.
The case involving Silmy Karim began when KPK investigators conducted a sting operation at the West Jakarta Immigration Office. Following the operation, Silmy Karim surrendered to the KPK on Wednesday night.
The KPK revealed Silmy Karim’s role in an alleged extortion scheme related to foreign national (WNA) stay permits within the Ministry between 2022 and 2026. KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that Silmy Karim allegedly demanded ‘quotas’ from the processing of stay permits while serving as the Director General of Immigration from 2023 to 2024. He allegedly used Jaya Saputra, the Director of Stay Permits, to facilitate these demands.
According to the KPK, subordinates were instructed to collect ‘extra fees’ from foreign nationals and their sponsors for various services, including permit extensions and status changes. The investigation suggests that between 2022 and 2026, various officials within the Directorate General of Immigration received at least Rp 145.5 billion through direct cash, transfers, or intermediaries. The funds were reportedly distributed weekly, with Silmy Karim estimated to have received approximately Rp 100 million per week.
Silmy Karim is currently in KPK custody. Seven other individuals have also been named as suspects and detained, including the Acting Director General of Immigration, the Director of Stay Permits, and several sub-directorate officials.