KPK Raids Bali Immigration Office in Silmy Karim Graft Case

KPK Conducts Bali Immigration Office Raid in Silmy Karim Corruption Probe

KPK Raids Bali Immigration Office in Silmy – On June 19, 2026, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) executed a targeted search at the Denpasar Immigration Office in Bali as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged graft involving former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim. This operation is a continuation of the KPK’s efforts to uncover corruption in the immigration sector, following prior raids on June 9, 2026, that targeted three key locations in the same case. The search aims to gather evidence related to the misuse of fees for residency permits and to probe the financial transactions linked to the approval of these permits, which have been central to the corruption allegations against Silmy Karim and his associates.

Investigation into Bribery and Fee Mismanagement

According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, the recent raid focused on documents and electronic records that could shed light on how bribes were allegedly funneled through the immigration process. The operation was specifically targeting the Bali Immigration Office, which has been a hub for residency permit applications, as the commission seeks to trace the flow of funds and identify any irregularities in the approval system. While Budi did not reveal the specifics of what was recovered during the search, he emphasized that the KPK continues to investigate the case thoroughly, with further details expected to be released in the coming days.

“The search at the Bali Immigration Office is part of the KPK’s broader strategy to dismantle corruption networks within the immigration bureaucracy,” said Budi. “We are looking for evidence that will help us prove the misuse of public funds in the residency permit process.”

The KPK’s investigation has been building momentum since Silmy Karim’s resignation in February 2026, when he was accused of embezzling over 357 billion rupiah through fraudulent practices tied to the issuance of limited stay permits (KITAS). The commission has already raided three other locations in the case, including the West Jakarta Immigration Office and the residence of suspect Juniadi Sri Priambudi, a prominent figure in the KITAS committee. These raids have uncovered a network of officials allegedly involved in siphoning state revenue through 96 bank accounts between 2019 and 2025, according to reports from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).

Expanded Scope of the Corruption Case

The KPK’s probe into Silmy Karim’s case has grown to include not only his personal activities but also the systemic issues within the immigration administration. The commission has identified eight individuals under investigation, including high-ranking officials such as the former Acting Director General of Immigration, Saffar Muhammad Godam, and the Stay Permit Director, Jaya Saputra. Additionally, several subdirectory heads and field staff, including Gusti Bernardiansyah, have been implicated in the scheme. The investigation has revealed a pattern of collusion between immigration officials and private applicants, who allegedly paid bribes to expedite their residency permits.

“The KPK is examining how these officials violated Government Regulation No. 45/2024, which outlines the tariffs for foreign worker permits and residency approvals,” explained Setyo, a legal analyst referenced by the commission. “This regulation was designed to ensure transparency in the immigration process, but the suspects appear to have exploited it for personal gain.”

As the investigation unfolds, the KPK has emphasized its commitment to holding accountable all individuals involved in the corruption network. The raids have not only targeted the Bali Immigration Office but also other key locations, including the West Jakarta Immigration Office and the residence of Juniadi Sri Priambudi. These actions are part of a coordinated effort to recover misappropriated funds and gather testimonies that will form the basis of the legal proceedings against the accused. The case has drawn attention to the need for stricter oversight in the immigration sector, where fees for residency permits have become a focal point for corruption allegations.

With the KPK’s investigation gaining traction, the case against Silmy Karim and his associates has taken on new significance. The raid on the Bali Immigration Office marks a pivotal moment in the probe, as it provides a direct link between the officials involved and the alleged siphoning of state funds. The commission has already seized a substantial amount of cash and documents from the office, which are expected to play a crucial role in proving the extent of the corruption. These findings are likely to be presented in court as part of the charges against the seven other officials implicated in the case, which includes the former Acting Director General of Immigration and the KITAS committee chair.

The KPK’s actions have also highlighted the broader implications of the corruption scandal for the immigration sector. The misuse of fees for residency permits, which are often critical for foreign workers and investors, has raised concerns about the fairness of the approval process. The commission’s focus on the Bali Immigration Office underscores the potential for systemic issues in the sector and the need for reform. As the investigation progresses, the KPK is expected to release more details about the financial transactions and the specific roles each suspect played in the scheme. This case may set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in the immigration field, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.