Noel Ebenezer Breaks Down, Admits Family Shares Shame Over Corruption Case
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Deputy Minister of Manpower for 2024–2025 Immanuel ‘Noel’ Ebenezer Gerungan said the case of alleged extortion in the processing of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certificates has been a huge blow to his life. He admitted his family also shares the shame due to the case.
‘I see my family sharing the shame. I see people who once trusted me are now disappointed,’ Noel said while reading his plea or defence statement during a hearing at the Corruption Court at Central Jakarta District Court on Monday (25/5/2026).
Tearfully, Noel expressed regret that the case had hurt many, including his family, supporters, the public, and workers who had placed their hopes in him. He also imagined the labourers who once sought his help questioning why the person they trusted now sits in the defendant’s dock.
He added that this is a heavy burden because public office is not just about authority but trust. He stated that public trust is precious, and when it is broken, an official cannot merely explain their intentions.
‘An official must have the courage to look inward, humble themselves, and admit that moral responsibility has not been upheld properly. That is what I feel today,’ he said.
Previously, Noel faced a five-year prison sentence, a fine of Rp250 million (or 90 days in jail if unpaid), and Rp4.43 billion in restitution (or two years in jail if unpaid). In the case of alleged extortion in K3 certificate processing within the Ministry of Manpower and gratuities during 2024–2025, he was charged with extorting Rp6.52 billion from certification applicants and receiving gratuities.
The alleged extortion was carried out by Noel and 10 other defendants: Temurila, Miki Mahfud, Fahrurozi, Hery Sutanto, Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Irvian Bobby Mahendro Putro, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, and Supriadi.
Temurila and Miki Mahfud each face three years in prison; Fahrurozi four years and six months; Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, and Supriadi each five years and six months; Irvian Bobby Mahendro Putro six years; and Hery Sutanto seven years.
In addition to prison terms, the 10 defendants are also facing fines of Rp250 million (or 90 days in jail if unpaid).
Furthermore, several defendants are ordered to pay restitution for their share of the corruption proceeds: Hery Rp4.73 billion; Subhan Rp5.8 billion; Gerry Rp13.26 billion; Bobby Rp60.32 billion; Sekarsari Rp42.67 billion; Anita Rp14.49 billion; Supriadi Rp19.81 billion; and Fahrurozi Rp233.01 million, each with two years in jail if unpaid.
The K3 certification applicants extorted by the defendants include Fanny Fania Octapiani, Fransisca Xaveriana, Grhadini Lukitasari Tasya, Intan Fitria Permatasari, Muhammad Deny, Nicken Ayu Wulandari, Nur Aisyah Astuti, Octavia Voni Andari, Shalsabila Salu, and Sri Enggarwati.
Detailed breakdowns show the alleged extortion benefited the defendants: Noel Rp70 million; Fahrurozi Rp270.95 million; Hery, Gerry, and Sekarsari each Rp652.24 million; Subhan and Anitasari each Rp326.12 million; Bobby Rp978.35 million; and Supriadi Rp294.06 million.
Additionally, Haiyani Rumondang received Rp381.28 million; Sunardi Manampiar Sinaga Rp288.17 million; Chairul Fadhly Harahap Rp37.94 million; Ida Rochmawati Rp652.24 million; and Fitriana Bani Gunaharti and Nila Pratiwi Ichsan each Rp326.12 million.
Meanwhile, Noel allegedly received gratuities of Rp3.36 billion and a dark blue Ducati Scrambler motorcycle from Ministry of Manpower civil servants and private parties during his tenure as deputy minister.
For his actions, the former deputy minister faces charges under Article 12(e) or Article 12(b) and Article 12B in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on Eradication of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, along with Article 20(c) and Article 127(1) of the National Criminal Code (KUHP).