Noel Ebenezer: Extortion Case Devastates Reputation and Family Amid Serious Allegations

Former Deputy Labour Minister Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan said the extortion allegations in the case concerning occupational safety and health (K3) certificate processing are a harsh irony for him.

During his tenure, he claimed to have defended vulnerable workers. Yet today, he faces severe accusations that have damaged his reputation, family, and conscience.

“I still respect the legal process,” said the man commonly known as Noel Ebenezer while delivering his plea at the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026.

During his time in office, Noel said he received numerous complaints from workers who felt oppressed by unfair labour practices.

These practices included withholding diplomas, unpaid entitlements, unclear employment status, terminations, outsourcing, labour brokers, long-term apprenticeships, unpaid severance, and workplace accidents.

According to him, workers approached him because they felt powerless due to lack of access, funds, and courage to confront stronger parties. “As Deputy Labour Minister, I felt obligated to listen to their voices. Today, I am faced with extortion allegations,” he said.

Previously, in his plea, Noel admitted guilt for not being sufficiently cautious in safeguarding his responsibilities as Deputy Labour Minister, leading to the extortion case involving K3 certificate processing.

“I admit fault. I regret it. I regret that as a public official, I should have upheld my trust more diligently and carefully,” Noel said while delivering his plea.

He acknowledged he should have been more vigilant regarding all aspects of his role, relationships, communication, work environment, and circumstances that could lead to issues and erode public trust. Therefore, Noel would not justify his mistakes, undermine the legal process, or blame anyone else.

However, he requested the panel of judges to consider him as a whole person and take into account his awareness of the case. He stressed that his admission was not empty words and that true remorse extends beyond mere statements.