Silmy Karim Asked 'Where Is This Heading', Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services Responded 'I Do Not Know'
The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services, Agus Andrianto, has revealed that Deputy Minister Silmy Karim recently asked, ‘where is this heading?’, following news of a corruption sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) involving an immigration official in West Jakarta. Agus stated that he replied he did not know, as the handling of the case is being conducted by the KPK.
Agus mentioned that they met at the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services office on Wednesday afternoon (3/6). He noted that Silmy was enquiring about the case currently being handled by the KPK. “It was midday, we were still at the office and met there. He asked, ‘where is this heading?’, and we simply did not know,” Agus told reporters at the Coordinating Ministry for Law and Human Rights office, South Jakarta, on Monday (8/6/2026).
Agus stated that he did not speak extensively regarding the case, as he did not want to be perceived as an individual obstructing law enforcement. “Since this is an investigation process carried out by law enforcement agencies, we must not be seen as parties obstructing the investigation process. It could backfire on us. We do not know; we must follow the process, as those handling the legal substance are the ones who truly know,” he added.
Agus further noted that he frequently warns his subordinates against involvement in criminal activities, though he acknowledged that such actions ultimately depend on the individuals involved. “We have strictly warned our employees. Even as recently as one month ago, we reminded them to be careful and to stop anything that could harm themselves. But if it still occurs, then we must deal with it,” he explained.
Previously, Silmy Karim was named a suspect in an alleged extortion case involving the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals (WNA). It is alleged that the extortion took place between 2022 and 2026, continuing from Silmy’s tenure as Director General of Immigration from 2023 to 2024. The KPK suspects Silmy received weekly payments of Rp 100 million, with the total alleged extortion amounting to approximately Rp 145.5 billion.
The following eight individuals have been named as suspects in the case:
Silmy Karim (SK) – Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services 2025-2026 and former Director General of Immigration 2023-2024
Saffar Muhammad Godam (SMG) – Acting Director General of Immigration 2024-2025
Jaya Saputra (JS) – Director of Stay Permits and Immigration Status, Directorate General of Immigration
Tessar Bayu Setyaji (TBS) – Head of Sub-directorate for Change of Stay Permit Status, Directorate of Stay Permits and Immigration Status
Bagus Bramantyo (BGS) – Head of Sub-directorate in the Directorate of Stay Permits
Ronald Arman Abdullah (RAA) – Head of Jakarta Central Immigration Office 2024-2025 and Head of Class I Special Non-TPI Jakarta West Immigration Office 2025-2026
Juniadi Sri Priambudi (JSP) – Head of ITAS Status Change Team
Gusti Benardiansyah (GST) – Staff of the Stay Permit Sub-directorate