Private Sector Official Alleges Labour Ministry Officer Ordered Purchase of 300 Grams of Gold Using Extortion Funds

JAKARTA – The Operational Director of PT Delta Indonesia, Deka Perdanawan, has testified that he was allegedly ordered by Subhan, a Sub-Coordinator for Occupational Safety at the Directorate for Occupational Safety and Health (Direktorat Bina K3) within the Labour Ministry (2020-2025), to purchase gold on his behalf.

PT Delta Indonesia is one of the Occupational Safety and Health Services Companies (PJK3) contracted by the Ministry of Labour.

Perdanawan made this statement whilst being examined as a witness in proceedings investigating allegations of corruption and extortion related to K3 certification management. The defendants include former Deputy Labour Minister Immanuel Ebenezer (also known as Noel), Subhan, and associates.

According to Perdanawan, the money used to purchase the gold came from extortion proceeds that were held in an account under his name.

Perdanawan stated that in June 2025, Subhan instructed him to visit his home. Upon arriving at Subhan’s residence, he was ordered to purchase gold using money from the account holding the extortion proceeds.

“He told me to go to the ATM, I don’t know why, he told me to hold it, then I was told to buy some of it,” Perdanawan recounted.

Perdanawan said that Subhan instructed him to purchase 300 grams of gold in 100-gram bars. After the gold was purchased, Subhan asked Perdanawan to keep it temporarily.

“He told me to hold it for now,” Perdanawan added.

Subhan reportedly stated he would collect the gold once it was needed.

“Yes, he’ll let me know when he needs it,” said Perdanawan, mimicking Subhan’s words.

The gold has since been seized by investigators. Subhan also allegedly instructed Perdanawan to open a bank account in his name.