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Jakarta Post

KPK arrests deputy immigration minister on graft charges

The alleged corruption took place in 2023 to 2024, Budi said. Silmy served as director general for immigration affairs under Prabowo's predecessor Joko Widodo during the period.

Ananda Teresia (Reuters)
Jakarta
Thu, June 4, 2026 Published on Jun. 4, 2026 Published on 2026-06-04T12:35:10+07:00

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The reflection of motorists is seen in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building sign, in Jakarta, on June 27, 2023. The reflection of motorists is seen in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) building sign, in Jakarta, on June 27, 2023. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

T

he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Deputy Immigration and Corrections Minister Silmy Karim, a spokesman said on Thursday, making him the second high-profile government official in two days to face corruption charges.

The arrest came a day after the Attorney General's Office (AGO) detained Dadan Hindayana, the former head of an agency which oversees President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meals program. Dadan was named as a suspect in a corruption case linked to the program's governance and procurement.

The two alleged corruption cases are unconnected.

Silmy was arrested on charges of corrupt practices in the administration of immigration documents, Budi Prasetyo, KPK spokesperson told Reuters in a text message.

He did not elaborate further.

Silmy had been questioned at the KPK's office since Wednesday night and emerged around 10 hours later on Thursday morning in handcuffs and wearing an orange jacket, indicating that he has been named as a suspect. He was then transported to a detention house.

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The alleged corruption took place in 2023 to 2024, Budi said. Silmy served as director general for immigration affairs under Prabowo's predecessor Joko Widodo during the period.

The agency has also identified seven other suspects related to this case, he added.

Further details are expected to be released later on Thursday afternoon, the agency said.

Prabowo took office in 2024 pledging to eradicate corruption and crack down on the illegal exploitation of Indonesia's vast natural resources.

In April, the country's chief ombudsman ‌was arrested just six days after his appointment for allegedly taking a bribe from a local nickel company.

"Honestly, we have been deeply concerned over the past two days by the repeated events which we clearly did not expect," State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said on Thursday.

He said the government respects the legal proceedings being conducted by the anti-graft agency and the AGO.

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