Judge Rejects Objection, Silmy Karim Claims He is Being Criminalized

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Law Silmy Karim has claimed that he is being criminalized in a case concerning alleged extortion of foreign national (WNA) residence permits.

This statement was made by Silmy after attending a preliminary ruling session at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (12/11/2026).

In that ruling, the panel of judges rejected all his objections.

"I see this as criminalization; how can a director general or deputy minister be accused of extortion? It seems too forced," said Silmy.

Silmy believes that the extortion allegations against him contradict the various reform efforts he made during his time in the Immigration Department.

He pointed out the digitalization of immigration services through the Foreign Traffic Module application or eVisa (MOLINA), which allows applicants to submit requests online without direct interaction with officials.

According to Silmy, this policy is a groundbreaking initiative that had never been implemented before.

"Because what I have done in optimizing the avoidance of direct contact between applicants and officials through the Molina application, allowing applicants to apply online from anywhere in the world, whether in Indonesia or abroad, is something that had never been done in the past," he stated.

He also claimed that the digitalization of immigration serves as an example of implementing an electronic governance system involving millions of applicants.

However, he asserted that this initiative, which he originally led and ensured was implemented, ultimately led to the criminal case against him.

"The one who initiated, issued the policy, and ensured its implementation is the one getting criminalized," Silmy said.

Silmy remarked that shortcomings in the implementation of a system are normal as there is always a process of evaluation and improvement.

He likened this process to the continuous updates in application development.

Despite the rejection of his objection, Silmy stated that he will utilize the main trial to prove his statements.

He also requested support and prayers from the public so that the legal process he is undergoing can yield justice.

"Striving for justice is our obligation at every opportunity to defend ourselves. I will use all of that, and it also serves as a learning process not just for me, but for society as a whole," Silmy told.

Indicted for Receiving IDR 1.2 Billion, Gratification of IDR 33.8 Billion

In this case, Silmy Karim is charged with receiving IDR 1.2 billion in connection with the alleged extortion for handling foreign national residence permits.

Additionally, Silmy faces charges of receiving gratification amounting to IDR 33.8 billion.

As stated in the indictment read by the public prosecutor on October 29, 2026, the documents subjected to the alleged extortion by Silmy and others include Visit Permits (ITK), Limited Stay Permits (ITAS), Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP), as well as the process of switching residence permits.

Silmy Karim and others are charged under Article 12 letter e juncto Article 18 of the Corruption Eradication Law juncto Article 20 letter c and Article 127 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.