Immanuel Ebenezer Hopes for Acquittal in K3 Certification Extortion Verdict
The defendant in the alleged extortion case involving Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certifications at the Ministry of Manpower, Immanuel Ebeneundzer, also known as Noel, has stated he is prepared to face the reading of the judges’ verdict this Thursday. Despite admitting to feeling nervous, the former Deputy Minister of Manpower has placed his legal fate entirely in the hands of the court’s justice.
“Firstly, I am quite nervous. However, we ask for the public’s prayers so that the fairest decision can be reached. Secondly, we trust the judges, as we are very confident they will deliver a just decision,” Noel said when met before the trial commenced.
Noel openly expressed his hope for an acquittal, though he acknowledged the various possibilities within the judicial process. He emphasised his commitment from the outset that if proven guilty of extortion, he is prepared to face a heavy sentence, but if not, he hopes for the lightest possible penalty.
“Yes, the hope is to be acquitted, though that may not be possible. But as for expectations, one always hopes for the best,” he added.
In his defence, Noel asserted that he will not evade his responsibilities as a public official. He claimed to have detailed his full accountability in his defence note (pleidoi) and does not intend to blame other parties in this case. He also pledged to remain committed to the struggle against criminal practices by entrepreneurs that harm the public, regardless of the verdict.
Previously, the Public Prosecutor (JPU) demanded a five-year prison sentence for Immanuel Ebenezer. Noel was deemed to have violated Article 12 letter b in conjunction with Article 18 of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as well as Article 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law regarding gratification.
In addition to imprisonment, the prosecutor is seeking a fine of IDR 250 million, or a substitute of 90 days of imprisonment, as well as the obligation to pay restitution amounting to IDR 1.435 billion.