KPK Responds to Immanuel Ebenezer's Confusion Over 5-Year Prison Sentence Demand
The Deputy Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Fitroh Rohcahyanto, has responded to the 5-year prison sentence demand against former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, known as Noel, in the case involving gratification and extortion related to K3 (Occupational Health and Safety) certificate processing. Fitroh stated that all demands presented by the KPK prosecutors are based on established guidelines.
“There are indeed guidelines for criminal sentencing within the KPK. Therefore, what is being proposed by our colleagues in the prosecution is based on those established parameters,” Fitroh explained to journalists at the KPK Detention Centre in Cawang, East Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/5/2026). Fitroh further clarified that prosecutors have considered all aspects of the trial, including both aggravating and mitigating factors, such as the specific articles violated, the amount of funds obtained, and the proceedings within the courtroom.
Regarding the perceived disparity in sentencing demands between Noel and the ‘Sultan’ of the Ministry of Manpower, Irvian Bobby Mahendro—where the difference is only one year—Fitroh maintained that all demands are governed by specific parameters and can be held accountable.
Previously, Noel expressed confusion over the sentencing disparity. He noted that while Irvian Bobby Mahendro, involved in a Rp 75 billion corruption case, was sentenced to 6 years, he was facing 5 years for an alleged Rp 3 billion involvement. “Imagine, someone corrupting Rp 75 billion gets 6 years, while I, deemed to have handled Rp 3 billion, get 5 years. If that is the case, should I regret it? I do regret it. It would be better to corrupt as much as possible if the difference is only one year,” Noel remarked following the trial at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (18/5).
Noel also questioned the 7-year sentence demanded for defendant Hery Sutanto, noting that Hery allegedly received only Rp 4 billion. Noel stated he intends to prepare a personal defence (pleidoi) to explain that his policies were intended to benefit the public, such as practices regarding the withholding of diplomas and outsourcing issues that exploit labourers. He emphasised that his actions did not cause state losses or involve stealing public funds.
In the prosecution’s demand, prosecutors believe Noel is guilty of gratification and extortion in the processing of K3 certificates at the Ministry of Manpower. The prosecution requested a 5-year prison sentence, a fine of Rp 250 million (subsidised by 90 days of imprisonment), and the payment of restitution amounting to Rp 1,435,000,000, following the deduction of the Rp 3 billion already returned by Noel. The prosecution alleges Noel received a share of Rp 6.5 billion in illegal funds distributed by other Ministry officials. Aggravating factors include his actions failing to support the government’s clean governance programme, while mitigating factors include his admission of guilt and his polite conduct during the trial.