Verdict Hearing for Former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Noel Ebenezer Held Today
The legal fate of the former Deputy Minister of Manpower for the 2024–2025 period, Immanuel ‘Noel’ Ebenezer Gerungan, will be determined today. The Panel of Judges at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court is scheduled to read the verdict concerning allegations of extortion in the processing of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) certificates and the receipt of gratifications on Thursday (4/6).
According to the Case Tracking Information System (SIPP) of the Central Jakarta District Court, the hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 WIB in the Kusuma Atmadja Courtroom, presided over by Chief Judge Nur Sari Baktiana. Previously, the Public Prosecutor handed down a heavy sentence to Noel, demanding five years of imprisonment and a fine of Rp250 million, or an additional 90 days of detention. Furthermore, Noel is required to pay restitution amounting to Rp4.43 billion; failure to do so carries a threat of an additional two-year prison sentence.
In the indictment, Noel is alleged to have extorted applicants for K3 certification or licensing within the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker), with the total value reaching Rp6.52 billion. In addition to extortion, he is also charged with receiving gratifications in the form of Rp3.36 billion in cash and a luxury blue Ducati Scrambler motorcycle from civil servants within the Ministry of Manpower and private parties during his tenure as Deputy Minister.
The case also involves ten other defendants alleged to have collaborated in these extortion practices. Additionally, funds resulting from the extortion are suspected to have flowed to and benefited several other individuals within the Ministry of Manpower environment, including Haiyani Rumondang, Sunardi Manampiar Sinaga, and Ida Rochmawati, with varying amounts.
Immanuel Noel Ebenezer faces multiple charges under Article 12 letter e or Article 12 letter b and Article 12 B in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 20 letter c and Article 127 paragraph (1) of the National Criminal Code. This verdict hearing is under significant public scrutiny given Noel’s strategic position as a state official responsible for overseeing work safety standards, which he is alleged to have abused for personal and group gain.