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The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of extortion and gratification related to the issuance of Work Safety (K3) certificates at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker). The investigation centers around a Ducati motorcycle and a payment of rp 3 billion (approximately $190,000 USD) allegedly received by Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, the Deputy Minister of Manpower, also known as Noel.
According to witness testimony, Irvan Bobby Mahendro, identified as Irvian Ni 202-2025 Person, initiated the purchase of the motorcycle.Setyo, a witness in the case, recounted a conversation with Irvan, stating, ”IEG said to IBM, ‘you play a big motorbike.If for me what motorbike is suitable?’,” Setyo said.
Following the conversation, Irvan purchased a Ducati motorcycle and delivered it to Noel. “Then IBM bought and sent it to his house, 1 Ducati,” Setyo confirmed.
Along with the ducati motorcycle, Noel allegedly received Rp 3 billion in connection with the K3 certificate issuance.This payment reportedly occurred in December 2024, approximately two months after President Prabowo Subianto appointed him as Deputy Minister.
Noel is now among eleven individuals named as suspects in the case, facing charges related to extortion and accepting gratification. The complete list of suspects includes:
1. Irvian Bobby Mahendro – Irvian Ni 202-2025 Person
2. Gerry Aditya herwanto putra, Coordinator of Testing and Evaluation of Work Safety Competencies (2022-present)
3.Subhan, Sub-Coordinator of Work Safety at Dit Bina K3 (2020-2025)
4. Anitasari Kusumawati, Sub-Coordinator of Partnership and Occupational Health Personnel (2020-present)
5. Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, Deputy Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia
6. fahrurozi, Director General of Binwasnaker and K3 (March 2025-present)
7.Hery Sutanto, Director of Institutional Development (2021-February 2025)
8. Carteda, a subcoordinator
9. supriadi, a coordinator
10. Temurila, representing PT Kem Indonesia
11. Miki Mahfud,representing PT Kem Indonesia.
Deputy Minister of Manpower Detained in Indonesia Corruption Probe
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Jakarta - Indonesian Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, widely known as Noel, was apprehended on Wednesday night by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in an operasi tangkap tangan (OTT), or sting operation.The arrest stems from allegations of extortion related to occupational safety and health (K3) certification processes. The Presidential Palace has signaled its intent to promptly replace Noel should the allegations prove true.
Palace Response and Pending Examination
Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo hadi conveyed the government’s position, stating that a replacement for Noel would be expedited “quickly” if evidence confirms his involvement. Currently, the Palace is awaiting a complete report from the KPK detailing the findings of the investigation.President Prabowo Subianto has been briefed on the situation and has deferred to the KPK for a thorough legal process.
“Mr. President has received a report. He respects the process at the KPK and is inviting the legal process to be carried out,” Hadi stated.
the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle remains contingent on the outcome of the KPK’s investigation. Officials are awaiting the results of the initial 24-hour assessment period.
Potential for Interim Leadership
Hadi also indicated that the position of Deputy Minister of Manpower could be temporarily vacated while the investigation proceeds. He explained that established protocols allow for interim assignments or special duties in such circumstances.”When one of the officials…even if the minister, the mechanism is not always a change of day, it can also be temporary or special assignments,” he said.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli affirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption within the ministry. He revealed that all ministry officials have signed an Integrity Pact, committing to resignation should they engage in corrupt practices. This pledge extends to nearly 1,000 K3 service companies, aiming to eliminate bribery and extortion in the certification process.
Did You Know? The Integrity Pact,a tool increasingly used in Indonesia to combat corruption,requires signatories to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and report any instances of bribery or extortion they encounter.
Details of the Arrest and Evidence Seized
The KPK’s operation resulted in the detention of 14 individuals, including Noel. Authorities confiscated significant evidence, including a significant amount of cash, dozens of vehicles, and a Ducati motorcycle.KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh confirmed the seizure of these items.
All those detained are currently undergoing questioning at the KPK headquarters,where their status will be persistent within the next 24 hours.
Timeline of Events
| Date | event |
|---|---|
| August 20,2025 | KPK conducts operasi tangkap tangan (OTT) netting Deputy minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel) and 13 others. |
| August 21, 2025 | Presidential Palace confirms awareness of the situation and awaits KPK findings. |
| August 21, 2025 | Minister of Manpower Yassierli reaffirms zero-tolerance policy on corruption. |
Pro Tip: Indonesia’s KPK has broad powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, including the authority to conduct surprise arrests and seize assets.
What impact will this investigation have on Indonesia’s efforts to improve workplace safety standards? And how will the government ensure clarity in the K3 certification process moving forward?
Indonesia has been actively working to improve its ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in recent years. The CPI, published annually by Transparency International, measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries worldwide. The KPK plays a central role in these efforts, investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. The K3 certification process, crucial for ensuring workplace safety, has been identified as a potential area for corruption due to the discretionary power involved in issuing permits and conducting inspections.This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating corruption and promoting good governance in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Noel Investigation
- What is an OTT? An operasi tangkap tangan (OTT) is a sting operation conducted by the KPK to catch individuals in the act of committing corruption.
- What is the K3 certification process? K3 certification relates to occupational safety and health standards in Indonesia, ensuring workplaces meet required safety regulations.
- What is the role of the KPK? The KPK (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi) is Indonesia’s self-reliant anti-corruption commission.
- What happens if Noel is found guilty? If found guilty, Noel could face imprisonment and be removed from his position as Deputy Minister of Manpower.
- Will this case impact Indonesia’s investment climate? Corruption remains a concern for investors in Indonesia, and this case could perhaps impact investor confidence.
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Indonesia Faces Soaring Layoffs, Exceeding Official Figures
Employers Warn of Continued Job Cuts Amidst Global Trade Headwinds
Jakarta, Indonesia – A stark increase in job terminations is significantly impacting Indonesia’s workforce, with the employers’ association reporting numbers nearly four times higher than official government data. The trend points to growing economic pressures affecting businesses across the nation.
Employers Association Highlights Alarming Layoff Data
According to **Shinta Kamdani**, Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), roughly 150,000 individuals faced termination of employment (PHK) between January and June 2025. Out of this substantial figure, **Shinta** noted that 100,000 have initiated benefit claims through BPJS Employment.
She elaborated on Apindo’s reliance on BPJS Employment data, stating, If we are in Apindo, we use the layoff data from the BPJS Employment, so we see those who come out of the BPJS, the layoffs until January to June 2025 are already 150 thousand. And the claims are 100 thousand.
Government Figures Contrast with Employer Reports
This alarming figure starkly contrasts with the Ministry of Manpower’s (Kemnaker) report, which documented 42,385 workers affected by layoffs during the same January to June period. This represents a 32.19% increase compared to the 32,064 workers laid off in the first half of the previous year.
**Shinta Kamdani** acknowledged the discrepancy but emphasized the undeniable trend of rising job losses. But of course we also see that in the Ministry of Manpower has a report from the Manpower Office and others. So that’s why I say we don’t have to argue about numbers, data. But clearly it seems that the increase was there, the government said 32%. That was a high number, high increase. And this was already felt also from the survey made by Apindo.
The Indonesian economy has seen a 0.5% increase in its unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 5.1% of the total workforce, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) (BPS February 2025).
Concerns Mount Over Export Industry and Tariffs
**Shinta** anticipates a continuation of layoff waves, partly due to potential trade disruptions. She specifically cited a hypothetical 19% tariff from the United States as a threat to export-oriented industries, particularly textiles and textile products (TPT).
So we both agree that this is not just ordinary layoffs, but this layoff is really running and is still rolling. So in terms of Trump tariffs and others it should not be increased again. Because the exports are hit there TPT (textiles and textile products),
she stated.
She warned that if Indonesia faces unfavorable trade terms compared to competitors, resulting in order diversions, the domestic workforce will suffer, leading to further job cuts.