Jokowi Volunteers, Ganjar, Prabowo... Now Caught OTT KPK: Political Footprint Immanuel Ebenezer

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer or Noel was secured by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a hand arrest operation (OTT).

The arrests were made on Wednesday night, August 20. It is suspected that extortion occurred related to the management of work safety and health certification (K3).

Until now, the KPK has not provided information on how many people were also arrested in the operation.

Immanuel Ebenezer is known to the public as a volunteer activist and figure who is active in the national political contestation. He became widely known when he served as General Chair of Jokowi Mania (JoMan) volunteers in the 2019 presidential election.

After that, Noel had formed the Ganjar Mania group, but surprisingly dispersed the organization and transferred his support to Prabowo Subianto ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

He later served as General Chair Prabowo Mania 08, who was part of the ranks of volunteers supporting the President-elect at that time.

Noel is listed as a cadre of the Gerindra Party, and in the 2024 Legislative Election he ran for DPR from the electoral district of North Kalimantan. He won 29,786 votes but failed to make it to Senayan.

Although he did not qualify as a member of the legislature, Noel was trusted by President Prabowo Subianto to enter the Red and White Cabinet. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Manpower on October 21, 2024, accompanying the Minister of Manpower Yassierli.

Prior to serving as Deputy Minister, Noel had held the position of President Commissioner of PT Mega Eltra, a subsidiary of PT Pupuk Indonesia, from June 2021 to March 2022.

Noel's name also appeared in terrorism cases, when he was present as a witness to relieve Munarman during a trial at the East Jakarta District Court in February 2022.

Deputy Chairperson of the KPK, Fitroh Rochahhyanto, said the arrests were made in Jakarta. However, he has not detailed the findings of evidence or how many parties were also arrested.

"(The relevant OTT, ed) is extorted from companies related to the management of K3 certification," said Fitroh Rohicyanto when confirmed by VOI, Thursday, August 21.

The anti-corruption commission then has 1x24 hours to determine the status of the arrested party. The official announcement will be made through a press conference.