KPK Suspects Silmy Karim and Bagus Provided Funds to Doctoral Promoters During PhD Studies

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is deepening its investigation into allegations that Silmy Karim and Bagus Bramantyo, suspects in a case involving extortion in the processing of foreign national (WNA) residence permits, provided money to their prospective doctoral (S3) promoters during every supervision session.

“It is alleged that these suspects provided a certain amount of money on a regular basis when conducting study supervision at Brawijaya University,” KPK Spokesperson Byp Budi Prasetyo told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Budi explained that investigators from the anti-corruption agency are investigating these allegations by questioning Romy Hermawan, a lecturer in the Public Administration Study Programme at Brawijaya University, as a witness in the case on 29 September 2026.

Romy is being questioned by the KPK in his capacity as the prospective promoter for Silmy and Bagus. Meanwhile, he stated that the KPK is examining Romy because the money allegedly provided during the supervision sessions is suspected to be linked to the case currently being handled by the anti-corruption agency.

“The funds allegedly provided by SK (Silmy) to RM (Romy), which are being investigated, are suspected to be funds collected from deposits made within the environment of the Directorate General of Immigration,” he continued.

Nevertheless, he noted that the total amount of money received by Romy from the suspects is still being calculated by the KPK and therefore cannot yet be disclosed to the public.

“The exact amount is still being calculated because it is alleged that these deposits or gifts were made routinely during every supervision session,” he added.