Former Labour Deputy Minister Noel Described as Victim of Corrupt Bureaucracy in Plea Hearing
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Former Deputy Minister of Labour Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, alias Noel, has been described as a labour rights activist ensnared in a web of corrupt bureaucracy.
His legal team made the statement during the plea hearing in response to the prosecution’s charges at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (25 May 2026).
In his defence statement, the legal team presented nine key points for the judges to consider in the case involving alleged extortion in the management of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification.
The legal team stressed that Noel, during his tenure as Deputy Minister of Labour, successfully advocated for workers’ rights trapped in exploitation practices.
‘Evidence presented in court confirms that the defendant, Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, while serving as Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Labour, successfully fought for workers’ rights that had long been subjected to exploitation,’ the legal team stated during the hearing.
Additionally, the defence argued that Noel had no involvement in the technical aspects of issuing OSH certificates or non-technical payments at the Occupational Safety and Health Service Company (PJK3).
During his plea, Noel was said to have been caught in a corrupt bureaucratic environment that led to his involvement in the case.
Nevertheless, his legal team stated that Noel admitted fault and expressed remorse for his actions.
This attitude was deemed a moral acknowledgment to correct his mistakes and avoid repetition in the future, as well as a demonstration of good faith and cooperation during the legal process.
Alongside requesting a reduced sentence, the defence also asked for Noel’s seized vehicle to be returned, as it was acquired lawfully.
‘Considering all the above, we respectfully request the esteemed panel of judges to deliver a fair verdict,’ the legal team said.
In the prosecution hearing, the prosecutors stated that Noel was proven guilty of corruption as charged.