KPK Searches Suspect Silmy Karim's Residence for Additional Evidence
Investigators from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a search at the residence of the former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services (Imipas), Silmy Karim, in the Kebayoran Baru area, South Jakarta, on Friday (5/6). This coercive measure was taken after Silmy was named a suspect in an alleged extortion case within the Directorate General of Immigration.
Based on observations at the scene, the anti-corruption commission’s investigative team arrived at Silmy’s residence at 13:46 WIB. At least six investigator vehicles entered the house premises under tight escort from heavily armed Brimob (Mobile Brigade) personnel.
Investigators wearing distinctive KPK vests were seen entering through the garage area to begin the search. Several officers appeared to be carrying suitcases believed to be used for securing documentary evidence or electronic devices related to the case.
Previously, the KPK detained Silmy Karim along with seven other officials within the Immigration environment. They were named suspects in relation to alleged extortion involving the processing of immigration permits for foreign nationals (WNA). This malpractice is suspected to have occurred during the period from 2022 to 2026.
The anti-corruption agency suspects that Silly received extortion proceeds since his tenure as the Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights from January 2023 to October 2024.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto explained that this case is a development of the handling of the Foreign Worker Utilisation Plan (RPTKA) case at the Ministry of Manpower, which has been under investigation by the KPK since 2025.
“Therefore, this closed investigation activity originated from follow-up actions regarding the case of the plan for the use of foreign workers at the Ministry of Manpower, which has been handled by KPK investigators in 2025,” said Setyo Budiyanto at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (4/6).
The KPK is searching for additional evidence in the case of alleged extortion of foreign national stay permits. The agency has uncovered systemic corruption within the Directorate General of Immigration, involving a ‘bottom-up’ deposit modus operandi through domestic worker accounts and money laundering via towing companies.
President Prabowo Subianto has officially removed Silmy Karim from his position as Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services following his designation as a suspect by the KPK. Researchers from Pukat UGM, Zaenur Rohman, described the corruption involving officials as a systematic bureaucratic disease, noting a decline in the Corruption Perception Index.
The KPK suspects that the suspects in the stay permit extortion case, caught during a sting operation, established a towing company as a front to disguise the proceeds of corruption amounting to Rp145.5 billion.
The KPK clarified that the placement of police lines at the residence of the former Deputy Minister was not merely a search but a sealing of the property for the purposes of the KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) corruption investigation.