Noel Ebenezer Regrets Failing to Uphold Trust as Public Official

Former Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) and defendant in an extortion case related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certificate processing, Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, alias Noel Ebenezer, pleaded guilty for failing to adequately safeguard his trust as a public official, leading to allegations of extortion in OSH certificate processing.

“I admit fault and regret it. I regret that, as a public official, I should have upheld my trust more carefully,” Noel said while reading his plea statement at the Corruption Crimes Court (Tipikor) in Central Jakarta District Court on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Noel acknowledged he should have been more vigilant regarding every aspect of his role, relationships, communications, work environment, and circumstances that could lead to issues and damage public trust. He stated he would not justify his mistakes, undermine the legal process, or blame others.

However, he requested the panel of judges to consider him as a whole person and review the case and his awareness. He emphasised that his admission was not empty words and that true regret extends beyond speech.

“Regret must become a humbling awareness, a change in perspective on life, and a path to self-improvement,” he said.

Previously, Noel faced a prosecution demand for five years in prison, a fine of Rp250 million (or 90 days’ imprisonment in default of payment), and restitution of Rp4.43 billion (or two years’ imprisonment in default of payment).

In the case involving alleged extortion in OSH certificate processing within the Ministry of Manpower and gratification between 2024 and 2025, he was charged with extorting Rp6.52 billion from applicants seeking OSH certification or licences and receiving gratifications.

Noel allegedly committed the extortion alongside 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 faced a three-year prison sentence; Fahrurozi was charged with four years and six months; Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, and Supriadi each received five years and six months; Irvian Bobby Mahendro Putro was charged with six years; and Hery Sutanto with seven years.