Wives Reveal KPK Detainees' Idul Adha Experience at Detention Centre
The experiences of KPK detainees during the 1447 Hijriah Idul Adha at the detention centre have been revealed by their wives. Families typically visit detainees during religious holidays at the KPK Detention Centre in Gedung Merah Putih, South Jakarta. On Wednesday, 27 May 2026, the wives of former Deputy Labour Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, known as Noel, and former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas were seen visiting.
Noel’s Wife Hopes for Swift Verdict
Silvia Rinita Harefa, Noel’s wife, shared her husband’s concerns. She said he hopes for a quick resolution to his court case.
‘He just wants this to be over as soon as possible. We’re waiting for the verdict on 4 June,’ Silvia explained.
She also expressed hope for a fair and lenient sentence. She openly admitted wanting her husband released.
‘Hopefully the panel of judges will give Noel the lightest and fairest sentence possible. We pray for that. Deep down, we wish for his freedom,’ she added.
Noel’s Wife Brings Kebuli
Besides conversing, Silvia also brought food for Noel, including goat kebuli rice.
‘This time I brought kebuli rice. We paid the coordinating committee, so there was kebuli, oranges, and pastries,’ Silvia said.
‘Soft drinks included two glasses of coconut water. Later, there was also chicken and fish—tilapia, I think—with asam sayur (tamarind vegetable soup),’ she added.
The trial for Noel’s verdict in the extortion case related to K3 certification will take place next week. The panel of judges will deliver the verdict during this hearing.
‘The verdict hearing will resume on Thursday, 4 June 2026. The defendant remains in custody but in good health,’ said presiding judge Nur Sari Baktiana at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday, 25 May.
Previously, prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence for Noel. They believed he was guilty of bribery and extortion in the K3 certification process at the Ministry of Labour.
‘The defendant Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan shall be sentenced to five years in prison,’ the prosecutor stated during the sentencing hearing on 18 May.
The prosecution also demanded a fine of £250 million, with a 90-day prison term if unpaid, and £1.435 billion in compensation after deducting the £3 billion Noel had already returned from the total £6.5 billion in illicit funds received for K3 certification.
‘Facts show that Defendants I Temurila and II Miki Mahfud repeatedly provided direct cash payments totalling Rp 6.58 billion to Hery Sutanto, Gerry Aditya, Irvian Bobby, Sekarsari, Anitasari, and Supriadi, who then passed it on to Fahrurozi and Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan,’ the prosecutor said.
Yaqut’s Wife Brings Fried Tempe
Meanwhile, Yaqut’s wife, Eny Retno, brought his favourite fried tempe and other food. For Idul Adha, she did not send traditional Lebaran dishes like ketupat, vegetables, or meat because her husband cannot consume coconut milk.
‘I sent fried tempe, his favourite. For cooked food, that’s all—simple vegetables for daily meals. Cooked food doesn’t last long, so mostly bread and dry cakes,’ Eny explained.
‘Abah has GERD, so he can’t eat anything with coconut milk. We stick to light, non-coconut milk dishes. He doesn’t mind food, but due to GERD, we have to be careful,’ she added.
Eny confirmed Yaqut is in good health during this Idul Adha. The family did not request house arrest this time, unlike during Idul Fitri.
‘Not this time. We hope he can come home. Everyone wishes for Abah to return. Please pray for us, hoping this blessed day brings good things for our family,’ Eny said.
During the three-hour meeting, Eny avoided discussing the case. They had agreed not to talk about it when with their children.
‘No discussion. Abah never talks about the case with us. I’m committed to that—he discusses it with lawyers. With me and the children, we talk about them, about family. We focus on uplifting him, as he’d feel torn away from what he loves, which is painful,’ she added.
KPK previously changed Yaqut’s status to house arrest. He was released from the KPK Detention Centre for Idul Fitri celebrations.
Yaqut, a suspect in the Hajj quota corruption case, was under house arrest since 19 March. KPK reinstated his detention centre status on 24 March.