Entangled in K3 Certificate Corruption, Noel: I Deeply Regret Being Deputy Minister

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, alias Noel, expressed his disappointment during a sentencing hearing regarding an alleged extortion case involving the processing of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certifications. Noel admitted to feeling disappointed with the legal process he is currently facing, even stating that he regrets having served as a deputy minister.

“I deeply regret being a deputy minister,” Noel said during a court recess on Monday (18/5/2026). “Today is truly terrifying, these accusations from the prosecutor without looking at the facts of the trial,” Noel remarked. He highlighted the allegations, which he believes are built solely on assumptions. “If everything is based on assumptions, everyone in this Republic could be arrested,” he added.

Noel proceeded to compare his role during his tenure at the Ministry of Manpower with that of the anti-corruption agency. He claimed that he had saved more of the people’s money. “One flight attendant’s certificate required a ransom of Rp 40 million. If there are 10,000 people, how much is that? Rp 400 billion that I saved,” he stated. “Between the KPK and me, I am the one who saved more of the people’s money, not the KPK. Let us pit the KPK against me,” he challenged.

According to Noel, the prosecutor’s indictment was filled with allegations that he deemed forced. “To be honest, today I am very angry; if we look at the prosecutor’s indictment, I think it is truly terrifying,” he said.

When asked about his health following the trial, Noel responded jokingly. “My health is quite alright. It feels like being beaten by the prosecutor, beaten by the KPK leadership, or beaten by the Supervisory Board,” he joked.