Occupational Health and Safety Service Company Denies Extortion in Certification Process at Ministry of Manpower

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Two defendants from PT KEM, Temurila and Miki Mahfud, have denied allegations of extortion in the processing of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certificates at the Ministry of Manpower. They also affirmed that PT KEM is a legitimate K3 service company (PJK3). The denial was conveyed through legal counsel during the continuation of the trial held at the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday (30/4/2026). In the proceedings, Temurila’s legal counsel emphasised the legality of PT KEM while refuting any elements of coercion or extortion in the certification process. “This evidence outlines that PT KEM is a legitimate PJK3, thus obligated to collaborate with the Ministry of Manpower in conducting its business,” stated Temurila’s legal counsel before the panel of judges. “This proves that there was no coercion or extortion in the implementation of training or certification carried out by PT KEM,” the counsel continued. In their defence, the defendants also highlighted the discrepancy in certificate processing time, which should have been 9 days but in practice took 247 days. However, they stated that the entire process was eventually completed after issues arose in the trial and was updated in the administrative system the following day. Additionally, the legal counsel noted that PT KEM always fulfils its obligation to pay Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) in every certification process as a form of compliance with regulations. Regarding witness testimony, the legal counsel mentioned that the trial has examined 42 witnesses consisting of elements from the Ministry of Manpower, K3 service companies, and other parties. Of the 10 victim witnesses listed in the indictment, only two were presented in court, and both are said to have denied the practice of extortion. “These two victim witnesses stated that they did not feel extorted and there was no extortion process,” said the legal counsel. Several other witnesses are also said to have stated that there were never any meetings or coordination regarding the alleged extortion, and affirmed no involvement of Temurila or PT KEM in the management or distribution of non-technical funds.