Former Deputy Immigration Minister Silmy Karim Charged in Illegal Fast‑Track Visa Fee Scheme

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) uncovered an illegal “fast‑track” fee scheme for foreign residency permits. The scheme charged applicants between Rp1 million and Rp1.5 million per person to accelerate the issuance of stay permits. Eight officials were named as suspects, including former Deputy Minister of Immigration Silmy Karim, former Acting Director‑General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam, and senior staff such as Jaya Saputra and Ronald Arman Abdullah. KPK investigators seized cash in US and Singapore dollars, precious metals and several vehicles as evidence. The suspects face charges of extortion and gratification under Indonesia’s anti‑corruption laws.