ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — One of the largest corruption scandals ever to hit Indonesia’s immigration system has erupted after the country’s anti-graft agency uncovered an alleged extortion and bribery network worth IDR145.5 billion (approximately US$9 million) involving senior immigration officials, including Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim.
The case has sent shockwaves through President Prabowo Subianto’s administration and raised fresh concerns over corruption within Indonesia’s public service sector.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto announced on Thursday that Silmy Karim had been suspended from his position following his designation as a suspect by Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“The ministry has suspended the official concerned to ensure that the legal process can proceed without obstruction while maintaining the continuity of public services,” Agus said in a statement on June 4, 2026.
He pledged full cooperation with investigators, including providing access to documents, records, and information required by the KPK.
According to KPK investigators, the alleged corruption scheme operated between 2022 and 2026 and centered on the processing of residence permits and immigration documents for foreign nationals living in Indonesia.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto revealed that officials within the Directorate General of Immigration allegedly collected illicit payments totaling at least Rp145.5 billion through direct cash transfers and intermediary channels.
“During the period of 2022-2026, officials within the immigration system received funds either directly or through various intermediaries amounting to at least IDR145.5 billion,” Setyo told reporters during a press conference in Jakarta.
One of the most startling revelations concerns Silmy Karim himself. Investigators allege that while serving as Director General of Immigration between 2023 and 2024, he received a regular share of the proceeds amounting to IDR100 million (around US$6,200) every week.
KPK further disclosed the existence of coded language allegedly used to conceal the distribution of illicit funds. Internal references such as “angels” reportedly referred to senior officials receiving payments, while other recipients were identified using music-related terms including “lead singer,” “guitarist,” “backing vocalist,” and “choreographer.”
Authorities believe the code system was designed to disguise the flow of money among officials involved in the scheme.
Investigators also allege that part of the proceeds was used for personal enrichment, asset acquisitions, and business ventures intended to conceal the origin of the funds. When another corruption investigation involving foreign worker permits at the Ministry of Manpower began attracting public attention, some suspects allegedly withdrew money from holding accounts and converted it into gold.
According to the KPK, some property purchases were even paid for using gold bars rather than cash.
During raids conducted on June 2-3, investigators seized a substantial amount of evidence, including foreign currencies in U.S. dollars and Singapore dollars, precious metals, seven vehicles, fifteen motorcycles, and eleven bicycles, including high-end mountain bikes and Brompton bicycles.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said the suspects have been charged under Indonesia’s anti-corruption law for extortion by public officials and receiving illegal gratuities.
“The elements required under both provisions have been fulfilled based on the evidence collected by investigators,” Budi said.
In total, eight individuals have been named as suspects and detained. Alongside Silmy Karim, those charged include former Acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam, Director of Residence Permits and Immigration Status Jaya Saputra, senior immigration officials Tessar Bayu Setyaji and Bagus Bramantyo, Jakarta immigration chief Ronald Arman Abdullah, immigration team leader Juniadi Sri Priambudi, and staff member Gusti Benardiansyah.
The scandal represents a major blow to Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen governance and improve public-sector integrity. It also threatens to undermine international confidence in the country’s immigration system, which plays a critical role in attracting foreign workers, investors, and expatriates.
As the investigation expands, public attention is now focused on whether prosecutors will uncover additional beneficiaries of what is rapidly becoming one of the most significant corruption cases ever to engulf Indonesia’s immigration bureaucracy. (AT Network)
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