Silmy Karim Case Suspects Panic as KPK Investigates Ministry of Manpower Case, Attempting Rapid Fund Withdrawals
“When the RPT/RPTKA case at the Ministry of Manpower, being handled by the KPK in 2025, emerged, the involved parties allegedly panicked and immediately withdrew several sums of money,” stated KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto during a press conference at the KPK Building, South Jakarta, on Thursday (4/6/2026).
Setyo noted that the withdrawals were conducted in stages, as some accounts were held under the names of nominees. “Funds were withdrawn from several accounts, likely in a gradual process, because they utilised the names of nominees and other third parties,” he said.
He further revealed that the withdrawn funds were subsequently used to purchase gold. The commission also discovered transactions for property purchases made using gold bullion. “The money was used to buy a quantity of gold. In fact, even during the purchase of a house, the payment—which includes the evidence already seized—was unusual. Typically, transactions for immovable property are conducted in Rupiah via bank transfers, but in this instance, gold bullion was used,” he explained.
Previously, Silmy Karim was detained by the KPK after being sought during a sting operation (OTT) and subsequently surrendering himself. The KPK stated that the sting operation was related to the processing of permits for foreign nationals (WNA) to reside in Indonesia.
“This sting operation is related to the process of managing foreign nationals’ ability to stay in Indonesia. As we know, for a foreign national to reside in Indonesia, there are KITAP (permanent identity cards) and KITAS (temporary identity cards). It was within that processing stage [that the irregularities occurred],” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters.
A total of eight individuals have been detained in this case, including Silmy Karim. The detainees are:
Silmy Karim (SK) – 2025-2026 Deputy Minister of Immigration and 2023-2024 Director General of Immigration
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 General of Immigration
Bagus Bramantyo (BGS) – Sub-directorate official, Directorate of Stay Permits
Ronald Arman Abdullah (RAA) – Head of Central Jakarta Immigration Office 2024-2025 and Head of West Jakarta Immigration Office 2025-2026
Juniadi Sri Priambudi (JSP) – Head of ITAS Status Change Team
Gusti Benardiansyah (GST) – Staff of the Stay Permit Sub-directorate