Noel Ebenezer Hopes for Leniency: Detention is Exhausting

Jakarta, VIVA – The former Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, or Noel Ebenezer, has stated he is prepared to face the sentencing hearing in the case involving the extortion of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certifications at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker). Noel expressed hope that the demands from the Public Prosecutor (JPU) against him would not be heavy.

“We are facing this; our mental strength is resilient. Therefore, we hope the JPU imposes the lowest possible sentence,” Noel told reporters at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday, 18 May 2026.

Despite being a defendant, Noel emphasised that he continues to support anti-corruption efforts, a commitment he stated had been his foundation since before becoming a defendant.

Furthermore, Noel expressed his hope that the legal process regarding the case ensnaring him would conclude quickly, noting that being in detention is quite exhausting. “I also hope this process finishes swiftly and does not drag on; being in detention is tiring. We know that detention is not pleasant, even though the services at the KPK detention centre are excellent,” Noel concluded.

In the case of alleged extortion in the processing of K3 certificates within the Ministry of Manpower and gratifications during the 2024–2025 period, Noel is accused of extorting K3 certification or licence applicants for a total of Rp6.52 billion and receiving gratifications. The extortion was allegedly carried out alongside ten other defendants, namely Temurila, Miki Mahfud, Fahrurozi, Hery Sutanto, Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Irvian Bobby Mahendro Putro, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, and Supriadi.

It is reported that the K3 certification applicants who were allegedly 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.

In detail, the extortion was allegedly conducted to benefit the defendants being tried simultaneously. Noel allegedly gained Rp70 million; Fahrurozi Rp270.95 million; Hery, Gerry, and Sekarsari each received Rp652.24 million; Subhan and Anitasari each received Rp326.12 million; Bobby received Rp978.35 million; and Supriadi received Rp294.06 million.