Silmy Karim Files Pre-trial Motion, KPK Ready to Face It
Jakarta, VIVA – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has spoken out regarding the pre-trial motion filed by former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim concerning the legality of the forced seizure of assets.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the commission respects the pre-trial motion filed by Silmy Karim.
“The KPK respects the legal rights of suspect SK, who has filed a pre-trial motion as part of the legal mechanism to test the formal aspects of the investigation into the alleged criminal act of corruption in the form of extortion related to the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals,” Budi told reporters on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
Nevertheless, Budi stated that the anti-corruption agency had carried out all stages of the investigation based on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), including when conducting the forced seizure of assets.
“Investigators work with attention to both formal and material aspects, and ensure that every action has a legal basis and procedures that can be accounted for,” he said.
Therefore, he said the KPK is ready to face and explain every action taken during the investigation into the alleged extortion case at the pre-trial stage, objectively, openly, and based on evidence and applicable legal provisions.
“The KPK does not want the law enforcement process to be built on perceptions, but on facts and legal mechanisms that can be tested,” Budi explained.
Budi then invited the public to continue monitoring the legal process related to the case.
“Public oversight is an important part of ensuring that the law enforcement process runs transparently, accountably, and remains within the legal corridor,” he said.
Previously, Silmy Karim filed a pre-trial motion with the South Jakarta District Court on 4 September 2026.
The case originated when the KPK conducted a sting operation (OTT) related to alleged corruption in the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals.
During the sting operation, Silmy Karim, who was then serving as Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, turned himself in to the KPK.
On 4 June 2026, the KPK named eight people as suspects in the alleged extortion case concerning the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals between 2022 and 2026 at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, which later became the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections.
In addition to Silmy Karim, who previously served as Director General of Immigration from 2023 to 2024, the KPK also named Saffar Muhammad Godam, Acting Director General of Immigration for the 2024–2025 period, as a suspect.