Noel and Sultan Kemnaker Face Sentencing Demands in Extortion Case

Two prominent figures, former Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, widely known as Noel, and Irvian Bobby Mahendro, the Coordinator for Institutional and K3 Personnel Affairs at the Ministry of Manpower, popularly dubbed “Sultan of the Manpower Ministry,” faced their sentencing demands hearing at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (May 18). Both individuals are implicated in an alleged case of extortion and gratification concerning the management of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certificates within the Ministry of Manpower’s jurisdiction.

During the proceedings, prosecutors sought a 5-year prison sentence for Noel, while a more substantial 6-year term was demanded for Bobby. The following offers a comprehensive summary of key moments from the high-profile hearing.

Noel’s Concerns

As he prepared to enter the courtroom, Noel revealed he was in considerable pain but expressed his readiness to proceed with the trial, emphasizing his desire for a swift resolution to the legal process. He disclosed that he had been suffering from a severe toothache during his time in detention, resulting in a noticeably swollen face.

“My tooth, my face is swollen. It looks like I was beaten up by inmates,” Noel lightheartedly remarked to reporters when questioned about his condition upon his arrival at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (May 18).

Despite his discomfort, Noel chose to attend the hearing to personally hear the demands presented by the Public Prosecutor from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He elaborated on his recent struggles and commended the detention center’s rapid response to his medical needs. “I was still in pain yesterday. Fortunately, I could attend the hearing today. I’ve been suffering intensely for several days. Thankfully, the head of the detention center and the guards were incredibly responsive to my illness; they promptly took me to the hospital,” he stated.

Noel’s Hopes

In the moments leading up to the trial, Noel affirmed his mental preparedness and voiced his hope that the prosecution would pursue a lenient sentence. “Firstly, our mental strength is unwavering. We hope the Public Prosecutor will seek the lightest possible sentence for us,” Noel conveyed to reporters at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court.

Even as a defendant, Noel underscored his enduring commitment to upholding law enforcement in Indonesia. “Secondly, we remain steadfast in supporting the eradication of corruption. That was my fundamental commitment even before I became a defendant,” he asserted.

Noel further expressed his earnest wish for a prompt conclusion to the legal proceedings currently entangling him, advocating against prolonged detention. “Thirdly, I also hope this process finishes quickly. Let it not drag on; we are weary of being in detention,” Noel concluded.

Prosecutors Seek 5 Years for Noel

The prosecution demanded a 5-year prison sentence for Noel in connection with the alleged corruption case involving extortion and gratification related to the processing of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certificates within the Ministry of Manpower. “Imposing a criminal penalty on defendant Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan in the form of imprisonment for 5 years,” the prosecutor declared while reading the indictment during the hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (May 18).

Beyond the prison term, Noel was also demanded to pay a fine of Rp 250 million, with a subsidiary penalty of 90 days in confinement if unpaid. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution totaling Rp 4,435,000,000. Given that Noel had already returned Rp 3 billion, the outstanding restitution he must pay amounts to Rp 1,435,000,000, failing which he faces an additional 2 years in prison.

In their considerations, prosecutors affirmed their belief that Noel was proven to have received illicit funds, described as “non-technical money,” linked to the K3 certificate processing, which were allegedly handed over by other civil servants from the Ministry of Manpower. An aggravating factor highlighted in the demand was that Noel’s actions were perceived as detrimental to the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering a clean administration free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN).

Conversely, mitigating factors included Noel’s admission of his actions, his partial return of the illicit gains, his lack of prior convictions, his family responsibilities, and his courteous demeanor throughout the trial. For these actions, Noel is believed to have violated Article 12 letters b and B of the Corruption Law in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Law, Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code, and Article 127 paragraph 1 of the New Criminal Code Law.

“Sultan of Manpower Ministry” Faces 6-Year Demand

Irvian Bobby Mahendro, known as the “Sultan of the Manpower Ministry,” faced a demand for a 6-year prison sentence. Prosecutors concluded that the defendant was demonstrably guilty of engaging in extortion and accepting gratification. “Imposing a criminal penalty on defendant Irvian Bobby Mahendro in the form of imprisonment for 6 years,” the public prosecutor announced while delivering the indictment at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (May 18).

In addition to the prison term, Bobby was also demanded to pay a fine of Rp 250 million, or serve an additional 90 days of confinement. He was further mandated to pay a staggering restitution amount of Rp 60,329,415,416. Should his assets prove insufficient to cover this substantial restitution, the penalty will be converted into an additional 2 years of imprisonment.

During the formulation of their demand, prosecutors underscored aggravating factors, particularly that Bobby’s conduct was diametrically opposed to the government’s dedicated efforts to eradicate corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN). Meanwhile, mitigating circumstances included the defendant’s clean record with no prior legal entanglements, his responsibilities towards his family, and his cooperative and respectful conduct throughout the trial.

Prosecutors are confident that Irvian Bobby Mahendro violated the provisions of Article 12 letters b and B in conjunction with Article 18 of the Corruption Law, Article 20 letter c, and Article 127 paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 Year 2023 concerning the Criminal Code.

Demands for 9 Other Defendants

Beyond Noel and Bobby, prosecutors also presented their demands for 10 other defendants whose cases were tried in separate files. These defendants comprised officials from the Ministry of Manpower and individuals from private entities, with the following detailed demands:

1. Hery Sutanto (Director of Institutional Development 2021-2025): Demanded 7 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 4.7 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
2. Subhan (Sub-coordinator of Occupational Safety at Dit Bina K3 2020-2025): Demanded 5.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 5.8 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
3. Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra (Coordinator for K3 Testing and Evaluation): Demanded 5.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 13.2 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
4. Sekarsari Kartika Putri (Sub-coordinator for K3 Institutional Development): Demanded 5.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 42.6 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
5. Anitasari Kusumawati (Sub-coordinator for Occupational Health Partnerships and Personnel): Demanded 5.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 14.4 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
6. Supriadi (Junior Expert Manpower Inspector): Demanded 5.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 19.8 billion (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
7. Fahrurozi (Director-General of Manpower Supervision and K3): Demanded 4.5 years in prison, a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement), and restitution of Rp 233 million (with a subsidiary of 2 years in prison).
8. Temurila (Private Party, PT KEM Indonesia): Demanded 3 years in prison and a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement).
9. Miki Mahfud (Private Party, PT KEM Indonesia): Demanded 3 years in prison and a fine of Rp 250 million (with a subsidiary of 90 days confinement).