Noel Admits Guilt in K3 Certification Extortion Case, Pleads for Lenient Sentence

Former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan (Noel) presented his defence statement in a case involving extortion in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification and gratification, pleading for a lenient sentence. ‘I request a fair, proportionate, and humane sentence. A ruling that respects the law but also allows room for humanity, remorse, and hope for change,’ Noel said at the Jakarta Central Corruption Court on Monday (25 May 2026). Noel admitted regret and guilt for accepting money and a Ducati Scrambler motorcycle from his subordinate at the Ministry of Manpower, Irvian Bobby Mahendro. He stated he would not deny responsibility. ‘Indeed, I am guilty; I will not evade or shirk responsibility for this matter,’ he said. Noel then recounted growing up in a financially struggling family, having to work to pay for school. He expressed regret for failing to uphold the trust of his position. ‘I regret that as a public official, I should have safeguarded my responsibilities more diligently and carefully. I should have been more vigilant in every space, relationship, communication, work environment, and situation that could lead to issues and undermine public trust,’ Noel said. ‘I will not justify my mistakes. I will not undermine the legal process. Nor will I attack anyone,’ he added. Noel then highlighted his accomplishments, citing an edict banning the retention of diplomas and the removal of job application requirements such as age limits, marital status, and physical appearance. He also claimed to have initiated the free ‘Labour Asks Deputy Minister’ service. ‘I urge Your Honour to consider not only my downfall but also the journey that shaped me: a child who lost his father, raised by a single mother of eight, someone who worked from a young age to afford schooling, a student who once marched with the people, and an official who continually sought to listen to grievances,’ he said. Prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence for Noel. ‘The defendant, Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, is to be sentenced to five years’ imprisonment,’ the prosecutor stated while reading the charges at the Jakarta Central Corruption Court on Monday (18 May). The prosecutor demanded a fine of Rp 250 million, with 90 days’ imprisonment if unpaid. Additionally, Noel was ordered to pay restitution of Rp 4.435 billion, minus the Rp 3 billion he already returned, leaving a balance of Rp 1.435 billion. ‘If insufficient, an additional two-year prison sentence,’ the prosecutor added. Prosecutors believe Noel received part of a total Rp 6.5 billion in illicit funds from non-technical fees for OSH certification. The money was provided by another Ministry of Manpower civil servant who is also a defendant in the case. Aggravating factors included Noel’s actions undermining government efforts to eradicate collusion, corruption, and nepotism. Mitigating factors were his admission of guilt, partial restitution, clean record, family responsibilities, and respectful conduct during proceedings.