Noel Expresses Disappointment Over 5-Year Sentence in K3 Case, Compares to Rp 75 Billion Corruptor
JAKARTA — The former Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, known as Noel, has expressed his disappointment after facing a five-year prison demand in a case involving alleged extortion and gratification related to the management of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certification.
Noel argued that the prosecutor’s demand against him is irrational when compared to the sentencing of other cases involving much larger financial losses.
“Just imagine. Those who corrupted Rp 75 billion only received 6 years. I, who am accused of Rp 3 billion, face 5 years. If that is the case, would I regret it? Of course, I regret it,” Noel stated following the sentencing hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (18/05/2026).
“It would be better if those who corrupt large amounts only differ by one year from those involved in smaller amounts,” he added.
Despite his frustration, Noel admitted that any prison sentence remains a heavy burden for anyone. “To be honest, whether it is 4 years or 5 years, being imprisoned for even 3 days feels like hell,” he said.
“I am confused as to why we implement policies that benefit the people, and then I follow the President’s orders to ensure there is no state loss, and I have not stolen even a single rupiah of the people’s money, yet this happens,” Noel remarked.
Noel also denied the allegations of extortion levelled against him, claiming that all accusations remained unproven during the trial.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors stated that Noel was proven to have committed corruption as outlined in the indictment.
“Sentencing the defendant Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan to 5 years of imprisonment,” the prosecutor stated during the proceedings.
In their considerations, prosecutors noted that Noel was deemed not to support the government’s efforts to eradicate corruption.
“Aggravating circumstances: the defendant does not support the government’s programme in realising a government free from collusion, corruption, and nepotism,” the prosecutor said.