Judge Rejects Silmy Karim's Objection, Trial in Foreign Nationals’ Residence Permit Extortion Case Continues

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The judges at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court have rejected the objection or exception submitted by former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Silmy Karim, in the case of alleged extortion regarding the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals.

As a result, the examination of the case involving Silmy Karim will proceed to the evidence presentation stage.

"We declare the defendant's objection and/or the objection from the defendant's attorney Silmy Karim as not accepted," stated Chief Judge Asep Supriyadi while reading the interim ruling at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (12/11/2026).

The judge also instructed the public prosecutor (JPU) to continue the examination of the case against Silmy Karim.

In their considerations, the judges determined that the indictment prepared by the prosecutor had adequately detailed Silmy's role in the alleged extortion.

The judges stated that, under the provisions of Article 20 letter c of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, a co-actor does not have to physically carry out every element of the crime.

"A co-actor is not required to perform all elements of the offense physically by themselves; rather, it is sufficient to establish that there is a cooperative effort and complementary roles," the judges noted.

The judges indicated that the indictment detailed Silmy's active role within the power structure, including instructing Bagus Barhmantyo to demand monthly payments of IDR 100 million, positioning trusted individuals in key roles, and inquiring about the remaining cash.

Meanwhile, officials and staff under his authority were reported to be delaying the approval of applications through the e-Visa Molina system.

This delay allegedly pressured service bureaus to pay unofficial fees to avoid the risk of overstaying.

The judges also noted that the issue regarding Molina's application policy raised by the defendant is core material that must be tested through evidence in court.

Previously, Silmy's side raised objections, arguing that the indictment did not clearly outline the coercive actions taken by the defendant.

In their objection, Silmy's team highlighted the accusation which mentioned 10 applicants were forced, yet did not specify when, how, and by whom this coercion was applied.

The defendant's side also contended that the acts of complicating or delaying applications were instead described as actions by other officials and staff, not Silmy directly.

Silmy Karim has been charged with receiving IDR 1.2 billion in the alleged extortion case concerning residence permits for foreign nationals.

Additionally, he is charged with receiving gratification amounting to IDR 33.8 billion.

In the indictment read on October 29, 2026, the objects of the alleged extortion include processing Visit Stay Permits (ITK), Limited Stay Permits (ITAS), Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP), and the status change of residence permits.