Former Protocol Officer Noel Breaks Down in Tears as Mitigating Witness in K3 Extortion Trial
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Syamazzka Zakirni, the former protocol officer for ex-Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer alias Noel, broke down in tears when presented as a mitigating witness in the ongoing trial for the alleged corruption case of extorting fees for occupational safety and health (K3) certificates that implicates Noel.
The heavily pregnant woman cried when asked why she was willing to serve as a mitigating witness for Noel.
“Because he is a good man. I just want to help him,” said Azka, sobbing during the hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (29/4/2026).
Azka broke down in tears when recalling her reasons for attending the trial.
Azka explained that she became a protocol officer shortly after Noel was inaugurated as Wamenaker, specifically on 30 October 2024.
During the examination, Azka cried again when asked about her reaction to learning that Noel had been arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
She admitted to being shocked that Noel was caught in a hand-catching operation (OTT) because, in her view, he was not the type of person described by law enforcement officials.
“Yes, it’s been eight months now; if I go into labour here, the panel will be responsible, right? Why bring a heavily pregnant woman?” asked Presiding Judge Nur Sari Baktiana during the hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday.
Noel’s defence team stated that they had tried to bring other witnesses, but Azka was one of those willing to appear.
The panel of judges then reminded the Public Prosecutors (JPU) and the legal advisory team not to ask too heavy questions of the witness.
“It could trigger contractions in the mother’s pregnancy. We won’t ask heavy questions. Please, the prosecutors should also be considerate,” Judge Ana cautioned.
Noel, along with several Manpower Ministry officials, is accused of receiving Rp 6.5 billion by extorting applicants for K3 certificates and licences.
“That the Defendant Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, together with Fahrurozi, Hery Sutanto, Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Irvian Bobby Mahendro, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, Supriadi, Miki Mahfud, and Temurila, forced the K3 Certification and Licence Applicants to give money in a total amount of Rp 6,522,360,000 or at least around that amount,” the prosecutor stated when reading the indictment on 19 January 2026.