'Sultan' of Manpower Ministry Claims Noel Demanded Rp 3 Billion to Resolve K3 Case
The defendant in the extortion case involving occupational safety and health (K3) certificates, known as the ‘Sultan’ of the Manpower Ministry, Irvian Bobby Mahendro, claimed that former Deputy Minister Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan (Noel) once demanded Rp 3 billion. Bobby stated that the money was for resolving an inspection letter related to K3 certification.
Bobby provided this testimony while appearing as a witness at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (20/4/2026). He testified for the defendant Noel, Fahrurozi as the Director General of Occupational Safety and Health Supervision in March 2025, Miki Mahfud from PT KEM Indonesia, and Termurila from PT KEM Indonesia.
It began, Bobby said, with an inspection letter related to K3 certification from the Prosecutor’s Office. He said Noel demanded Rp 3 billion, using the term ‘3 metres’, to resolve the matter concerning that inspection letter.
“When did you exchange mobile phone numbers with the defendant Immanuel? Was it at the first meeting or how?” asked the prosecutor.
“At the first meeting, I was asked to note down my number on a piece of paper on his desk at that time. Then, at that moment, he said ‘just settle it by fulfilling 3 metres’,” replied Bobby.
“What does ‘three metres’ mean?” asked the prosecutor.
“At that time, I asked ‘what do you mean, Bang?’, ‘just settle 3 metres’,” replied Bobby.
“You call him ‘Bang’, right?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes, then just fulfil 3 metres. Then at that time I said, ‘can’t it be less, Bang?’, and the person in question said, ‘that’s already cheap’,” replied Bobby.
Bobby said Noel showed a disposition sheet to follow up on the matter. He said Noel claimed he could resolve the case.
“What is the connection between the current case and the defendant Immanuel?” asked the prosecutor.
“He said he felt he could help resolve the matter concerning that inspection letter, because at that time he showed something like a disposition sheet on his phone, but I don’t know exactly or in detail if it was indeed a disposition sheet to follow up on that matter,” replied Bobby.
“Did he tell you he could resolve your case?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes,” replied Bobby.
Bobby said Rp 1.5 billion was handed over from the defendants Sekarsari and Supriadi. Then, the remaining Rp 1.5 billion was covered by the proceeds from selling Bobby’s car.
“Then, where did the remaining Rp 1.5 billion come from?” asked the prosecutor.
“The remaining Rp 1.5 billion, I ended up selling one of my vehicles to cover the additional Rp 1.5 billion,” replied Bobby.
Bobby said the total Rp 3 billion to meet Noel’s demand came from handling K3 certification.
“Those funds collected to meet the defendant Immanuel Ebenezer’s demand, is this non-technical PJK3 money in the certification process?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes,” replied Bobby.
“Including your car earlier?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes, that’s correct,” replied Bobby.
Noel’s Indictment
KPK prosecutors indicted Noel for extorting K3 certification handling along with several Manpower Ministry civil servants. Prosecutors stated that Noel demanded a share of Rp 3 billion.
Prosecutors said the act was carried out by Noel together with the other defendants, namely Fahrurozi, Hery Sutanto, Subhan, Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Irvian Bobby Mahendro, Sekarsari Kartika Putri, Anitasari Kusumawati, Supriadi, Miki Mahfud, and Termurila. The trial was held in separate files at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (19/1).
“They have acted unlawfully or abused their authority related to the Issuance and Renewal of Individual Occupational Safety and Health (K3) Certification/Licences for certification/licence applicants,” reads Noel’s indictment.
In the indictment, prosecutors said the defendants forced K3 certification and licence applicants to give a total of Rp 6,522,360,000 (Rp 6.5 billion). This case occurred since 2021 or before Noel served as Deputy Minister.
In short, the extortion was carried out. Noel is also indicted for receiving gratuities amounting to Rp 3.3 billion and one blue Ducati Scrambler motorcycle. Prosecutors said the gratuities were received by Noel from private parties and his subordinates in the Manpower Ministry.
“That the defendant Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan from October 2024 to August 2025, either directly or indirectly, has received money totalling Rp 3,365,000,000 and one Ducati Scrambler motorcycle with licence plate B-4225-SUQ from Manpower Ministry civil servants and other private parties,” said the prosecutor.