Noel Ebenezer Reacts to 5-Year Prison Sentence Demand: 'KPK Prosecutors are Terrifying'

Former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, alias Noel Ebenezer, has described the demands made by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors as terrifying.

“Yes, today it is truly terrifying; the prosecutors’ accusations are made without looking at the facts of the trial. For instance, regarding the claim that I requested Rp500 million, which eventually became Rp1 billion, my trusted associate named David—that was the testimony from Bobby [Irvian Bobby Mahendro]. In law, the testimony of a single party cannot serve as evidence,” Noel stated at the Corruption Court (Tipikor) of the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday night.

Noel believes the prosecutors are attempting to force a guilty verdict. He also questioned the initial extortion allegations, which have now been reframed as bribery by the prosecutors to secure his conviction.

“Then there is a new allegation now regarding Rp1 billion. Bribery. I say this is madness. As this progresses, it becomes increasingly sickening without regard for the trial facts,” he added.

Noel faces a demand for a five-year prison sentence and a fine of Rp250 million, or a substitute 90 days in prison. He is also required to pay restitution of Rp4.4 billion. However, as Noel has already returned a portion amounting to Rp3 billion, the remaining restitution due is Rp1.43 billion. Should his assets be insufficient to cover the restitution within one month of a final court decision, the amount will be replaced by an additional two-year prison sentence.

KPK prosecutors stated that Noel was proven to have received funds totaling Rp4.4 billion, consisting of Rp1 billion in bribes, Rp3.4 billion in gratifications, as well as a navy blue Ducati Scrambler motorcycle valued at Rp600 million.

In addition to Noel, several other defendants from the Ministry of Manpower, including Irvian Bobby Mahendro—known as ‘Sultan Kemnaker’—were also found guilty and sentenced to prison in connection with the bribery and gratification case.