Witness in Noel Ebenezer Trial Admits Official Frequently Asked for His Location

JAKARTA — Deka Perdanawan, Operational Director of PT Delta Indonesia, a workplace safety and health services company contracted by the Labour Ministry (Kemnaker), testified that he was frequently asked about his location or whereabouts by Labour Ministry officials.

The Labour Ministry official who regularly inquired about Deka’s position was Subhan, the defendant and Sub-Coordinator of Workplace Safety at the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate (Bina K3) for 2020-2025.

Deka provided this testimony whilst being examined as a witness in a trial concerning alleged corruption and extortion in the management of occupational safety certifications. The defendants include former Deputy Labour Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, also known as Noel, and Subhan, among others, at the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Monday (2 March 2026).

The Prosecutors’ Office (JPU) pressed Deka on his communications with Subhan regarding money transfers related to occupational safety work to an account in Deka’s name.

“There was no notification regarding the transfer of funds?” one prosecutor asked during the trial.

“No, mostly he just asked about my location,” Deka responded.

The prosecutor expressed confusion about why Subhan would ask about Deka’s location.

“For example, if I was going out of town or not,” Deka explained.

“I’m not sure, sir. It seems like he wanted to withdraw funds, perhaps withdraw the money when I was…” Deka added.

“But he frequently asked ‘What’s your position?’ Like that?” the prosecutor asked.

Deka confirmed this. He admitted that Subhan would sometimes contact him requesting OTP codes for the account opened in his name.

“Yes, mostly he asked to send the OTP code,” Deka clarified.

Since the account was opened, the ATM card and security token were handed directly over to Subhan.