Former Indonesian Deputy Minister Silmy Karim tied to immigration bribery scheme

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating a bribery network within the Bali immigration offices (Kanim Ngurah Rai and Denpasar). The probe focuses on alleged regular payments, termed “klik” money, that private visa agencies must provide to obtain residence permits such as KITAS and KITAP. Payments are said to range from Rp100 000 to Rp2.5 million per application.

Six witnesses from CV Visa Agung Bali and other service firms were questioned at the Denpasar police station. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said, “Jika para biro jasa tidak menyetor uang tersebut di loket layanan, maka berkas pengajuan KITAS, KITAP, ataupun pengurusan izin lainnya akan dipersulit dan tidak diklik.” The agency also cited Plt Director Achmad Taufik Husein’s comment that there is “dugaan pungutan dari Kanim Bali untuk disetor ke pusat.”

The investigation implicates former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, who is suspected of receiving these funds and channeling them to senior officials in the immigration ministry. KPK has named multiple suspects, detained several, and continues to map the total flow of illicit money.