Facing Sentencing in K3 Case, Noel Admits Nervousness and Requests Moral Support
Former Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, admitted to feeling tense ahead of the reading of the indictment in the alleged extortion case involving K3 (Occupational Health and Safety) certificate processing at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker). Nevertheless, Noel emphasised that he continues to support anti-corruption efforts.
These statements were made by Noel before attending the sentencing hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (18/5). “First of all, we are facing this; our mental strength is there. We hope that the Public Prosecutor will demand the lowest possible sentence for us,” Noel told reporters.
Noel stated that he hopes the legal process he is undergoing can be concluded quickly without dragging on, noting that life in detention is not easy. “We hope this process ends swiftly. It shouldn’t drag on; it is exhausting being in detention because we know that being a detainee is unpleasant,” he said.
Despite the situation, Noel expressed appreciation for the services at the KPK detention centre, which he described as quite good. He even received medical attention after suffering from severe toothache in recent days. “Yesterday I had a toothache, and my face became swollen. Fortunately, the Head of the Detention Centre and the guards were responsive and took me directly to the hospital,” he remarked, jokingly adding that his face looked as if it had been ‘beaten by other inmates’.
On this occasion, Noel also requested moral support from the public. He ensured that his struggle regarding labour issues would not cease despite facing legal charges. “I hope that once this case is resolved, my struggle will not stop. We are still fighting,” he said.
When asked about his concerns regarding the prosecutor’s demands—noting that several defendants in other corruption cases have received high sentences—Noel admitted to feeling human fear. “I’m not afraid, but I am nervous,” Noel said with a small laugh. “Humanly speaking, I do have fear.”
Nonetheless, he reiterated his hope that the public prosecutors and the panel of judges would provide a light sentence and verdict. “I ask for the support of my media colleagues; I hope the Public Prosecutor and the judges decide on the lowest possible sentence. But regardless, our commitment to fighting corruption does not stop,” he stated.
The alleged extortion case involving K3 certification also involves several other officials and civil servants within the Ministry of Manpower. Noel is accused of receiving billions of rupiah in gratifications and one unit of a Ducati Scrambler motorcycle related to the processing of K3 certifications within the Ministry. The Public Prosecutor from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is also seeking a fine of Rp250 million, with a subsidiary sentence of 90 days of imprisonment.