Former Wamenaker Immanuel Ebenezer Asks Amnesty, KPK Alludes To Deterrent Effects

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) reminds law enforcement to provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators. The state must be committed seriously to efforts to eradicate corruption.

This was conveyed by KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo when asked about the amnesty request submitted by Immanuel Ebenezer after being named a suspect in extortion in the management of security and work constraints (K3). The Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) asked President Prabowo Subianto to grant a pardon before being taken to a detention center (rutan).

"It is important to look back at the essence of law enforcement which has a deterrent effect on the perpetrators and a sense of justice for the community. Serious law enforcement is also a reflection of the country's commitment to eradicating corruption," Budi said in a written statement, Monday, August 25.

In addition, Budi also mentioned the importance of efforts to prevent corruption through improving the system. This is because this extortion case strengthens the fact that there are loopholes to carry out fraudulent practices.

"Facts that are still open to gaps in the occurrence of corruption in public services, especially in the employment sector, must also be followed up immediately with preventive measures," he said.

Immanuel Ebenezer asked Prabowo to grant amnesty shortly after wearing an orange vest. He conveyed this when he was about to get into the prisoner's car.

"Hopefully I, I hope, will get amnesty from President Prabowo," said Imannuel Ebenezer to reporters at the KPK's Merah Putih building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta, Friday, August 22.

Instead of receiving amnesty, Prabowo removed him from the post of deputy minister. This announcement was made by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Hadi Prasetyo.

"The President has signed the President's decision regarding the dismissal of Brother Immanuel Ebenezer from his position as Deputy Minister of Manpower. Furthermore, we submit the entire legal process to be carried out properly. And we hope this will be a lesson for all of us, especially for all members of the Red and White Cabinet and all government officials," said Prasetyo, Friday night.

Previously reported, the KPK named 11 suspects in connection with the alleged extortion of handling work safety and health certificates (K3). This determination began with a hand arrest operation (OTT) that arrested 14 people, including the Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer.

The following is a list of suspects named by the KPK:

1. Irvian Bobby Mahendro as Coordinator for Institutional and Personnel Affairs K3 for 2022-2025;

2. Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra as Coordinator for Testing and Evaluation of Work Safety Competence in 2022 until now;

3. Subhan as Sub-Coordinator for Work Safety Dit. Bina K3 for 2020-2025;

4. Anitasari Kusumawati as Coordinator of Partnership and Work Health Personnel in 2020 until now;

5. Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan as Deputy Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia in 2024-2029;

6. Fahrurozi as Director General of Binwasnaker and K3 in March 2025 until now;

7. Hery Sutanto as Director of Institutional Development in 2021-February 2025;

8. Sekarsari Kartika Putri as sub-coordinator;

9. Supriadi as the coordinator;

10. Temurila as the party of PT KEM Indonesia; and

11. Miki Mahfud as the party of PT KEM Indonesia.

The determination of the suspect began with an intensive examination and found two pieces of evidence after the silent operation was carried out. It is suspected that this extortion has been going on for a long time.

This allegation arose because of the large amount of evidence found, namely 15 cars and 7 motorbikes and Rp170 million and US$2,201 in cash.