Deputy Minister of Manpower Caught in KPK Sting Operation, House Member: It's Like an Own Goal Amidst the President's Anti-Corruption Commitment

JAKARTA – Nasir Djamil, a member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction, called the arrest of Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) a blow that tarnishes the government's commitment to eradicating corruption.

According to Nasir, the incident is like an "own goal" amidst President Prabowo Subianto's enthusiasm, who has been vocal in his advocacy of the anti-corruption agenda.

"The President is very vocal about this (corruption eradication). Of course, this is like scoring a goal against his own goal. What happened to the Deputy Minister of Manpower is like an own goal," Nasir told reporters at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 21.

He expressed concern that an official at the deputy ministerial level was caught in a sting operation (OTT) by the KPK, especially in the early stages of a government that has only been in office for less than a year.

"And of course, we are very concerned about this incident, because the president has been very vocal about corruption eradication issues," said the legislator from the Aceh electoral district.

However, on the other hand, Nasir sees this incident as a positive indication that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is still operating independently, and that President Prabowo is not interfering with law enforcement agencies.

"We're getting the message that the president doesn't interfere in matters like this. Secondly, we're also getting the message that the KPK is operating independently, not subject to interference from those in power," he explained.

Nasir expressed his appreciation to President Prabowo, who, he said, did not use his political authority to obstruct the legal process, including against officials within his own cabinet.

"We salute President Prabowo because he didn't try to use his authority to prevent this incident. This is actually very surprising," he said.

As previously reported, Immanuel Ebenezer, also known as Noel, was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a sting operation on Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025. The KPK suspects this case is related to extortion practices against companies involved in processing Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certification.

"(The sting operation is related to) extortion against companies related to K3 certification," KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto told VOI.

The sting operation was carried out in Jakarta, but to date, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has not disclosed the details of the number of people arrested or the evidence seized. The anti-corruption agency has 24 hours to determine the legal status of the arrested parties and will officially announce this at a press conference.