The Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed details of an alleged extortion and bribery scheme involving the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration. Investigators estimate that applicants were charged between Rp 1 million and Rp 1.5 million to expedite permit approvals.
The case has resulted in eight individuals being named as suspects, including former Director General of Immigration and current Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas), Silmy Karim.
Expedited Permit Processing Allegedly Came at a Cost
According to the KPK, foreign nationals seeking residence permits were allegedly required to pay additional unofficial fees to speed up the processing of their applications.
“The illegal expediting fee is set at between Rp 1 million and Rp 1.5 million per person,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters on Sunday (7 June).
Investigators said some applicants sought faster processing despite existing procedures that should allow residence permits to be completed within three to seven days.
The allegations emerged as the KPK continues its investigation into suspected extortion and bribery linked to residence permit services provided between 2022 and 2026.
The Directorate General of Immigration’s official fee schedule shows that foreign nationals applying for a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) are required to pay fees ranging from Rp 500,000 for permits valid for up to 30 days to Rp 7 million for permits valid for up to 10 years. Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) are charged between Rp 7 million and Rp 15 million, depending on their validity period.
The KPK alleges that the additional payments collected from applicants were separate from these officially regulated fees.
Eight Suspects Named in Investigation
The anti-graft agency has named eight suspects in connection with the case. They include Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, former Acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam, Director of Residence Permits and Immigration Status Jaya Saputra, and several senior immigration officials responsible for residence permit services.
During the investigation, the KPK confiscated cash in foreign currencies, including US dollars and Singapore dollars. Investigators also seized precious metals and several vehicles believed to be connected to the alleged scheme.
The case gained further attention after reports emerged regarding suspicious financial transactions involving immigration officials. According to Kompas.com, investigators are tracing accounts worth Rp 366.7 billion linked to 35 civil servants within the immigration system as part of the broader investigation.
Allegations of Revenue Sharing
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto alleged that Silmy Karim played a central role in the collection of funds generated through residence permit processing while serving as Director General of Immigration between 2023 and 2024.
“SK, who served as Deputy Minister of Imipas for the 2025–2026 term and who was then Director General of Immigration for the 2023–2024 term, is suspected of extorting money from foreign nationals through JS, the Director of Residence Permits,” Setyo said during a press conference on 4 June.
Investigators further allege that Silmy requested a portion of the proceeds generated from the processing of foreign nationals’ residence permits through officials responsible for permit services.
The KPK has not yet disclosed the total losses resulting from the alleged scheme. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining financial records, seized assets, and the involvement of other parties connected to the residence permit process.
