Noel Suffers Toothache, Extortion Trial Continues
The former Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebeneper, also known as Noel Ebenezer, claimed to be suffering from a toothache during his court appearance. This admission was made during the trial at the Corruption Court (Tipikor) of the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday, as the court proceeded with the reading of the criminal indictment regarding alleged extortion related to Occupational Health and Safety (K3) management and the receipt of gratifications.
When asked by the presiding judge, Nur Sari Baktiana, whether his condition would interfere with the proceedings, Noel stated that while he was in pain, the trial could continue, though he requested permission to visit a dentist after the session. After verifying his ability to participate, the judge allowed the KPK prosecutors to proceed with the reading of the indictment.
According to the KPK prosecutor, Asril, Noel and several officials from the Ministry of Manpower are accused of committing extortion related to the processing of K3 certifications, totalling approximately Rp6.5 billion. The indictment alleges that the defendants coerced various applicants for K3 certification or licences to provide payments or services, resulting in an illegal collection of Rp6,522,360,000.
The prosecution detailed how various individuals enriched themselves through this scheme, with Noel allegedly receiving Rp70,000,000. Other officials, including Fahrurozi, Heru Sutanto, and several others, are also implicated with varying amounts of illicit gains. Furthermore, Noel is charged with receiving gratifications amounting to Rp3,365,000,000 and a blue Ducati Scrambler motorcycle, provided by civil servants from the Ministry of Manpower and private parties.
The KPK has expanded this investigation, naming three additional suspects suspected of receiving illicit funds: Chairul Fadly Harahap, former Director General of Binwasnaker & K3 Haiyani Rumondang, and former Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Manpower Sunardi Manampiar Sinaga.