KPK Deliberating Following Noel's Sentence Being Lower Than Prosecution Demand
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated it is still considering its stance regarding the verdict delivered by the judges of the Corruption Crime Court (Tipikor) at the Jakarta Central District Court against the former Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer. The panel of judges found the man, commonly known as Noel, guilty in a case involving bribery and the receipt of gratifications related to the management of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certifications.
However, the sentence handed down by the judges during the session on Thursday (4/6) was lower than the demand made by the public prosecutor. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo admitted that the commission will thoroughly examine the judges’ decision before determining its next legal steps. In accordance with criminal procedure laws, both the KPK and Noel have been granted a seven-day period to consider their next legal moves, including whether to accept the verdict or pursue an appeal.
“The KPK will scrutinise the judges’ legal considerations in the verdict in their entirety as material for evaluation and as a basis for determining our subsequent legal stance,” Biddie said when confirmed via a written message on Thursday night. “In principle, the KPK is committed to continuing to oversee every process of corruption law enforcement professionally, transparently, and accountably to achieve legal certainty and a sense of justice for the community.”
Furthermore, Budi stated that the verdict is part of a law enforcement process that must be respected by all parties. From a prosecution perspective, he explained that the judges’ decision confirms that Noel was proven legally and convincingly to have committed the corruption crimes as charged by the KPK Public Prosecutors. Budi noted that this indicates the case construction, evidence, and legal facts presented during the trial have been assessed and considered by the panel of judges.
Noel was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison, along with a fine of Rp200 million, with a subsidiary of 90 days of imprisonment. Additionally, the judge ordered Noel to pay restitution of Rp3.4 billion, with a subsidiary of 1 year of imprisonment. Following the reading of the verdict, Noel accepted the court’s decision. “Thank you, Your Honour. I consider the punishment given by the panel to be appropriate for the crime I committed. Therefore, I accept it, Your Honour,” Noel stated at the Jakarta Central Tipikor Court on Thursday.
Previously, KPK prosecutors had demanded that the judges sentence Noel to 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp250 million, with a subsidiary of 90 days in prison. Noel was also sought to pay restitution of Rp4.4 billion. However, because Noel had returned a portion of the funds amounting to Rp3 billion, the remaining restitution required was Rp1.43 billion. If the restitution is not paid within one month after the verdict becomes legally binding and Noel’s assets are insufficient, the demand included a substitute prison sentence of 2 years.