KPK Can Ensnare "Sultan" Irvian, Immanuel Ebenezer's Underling, With Money Laundering Laws

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo (DOC. Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is likely to charge Irvian Bobby Mahendro, the Coordinator of Occupational Health and Safety (K3) Institutions and Personnel, with money laundering (TPPU).

This possibility is open because the subordinate of Immanuel Ebenezer, while serving as Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker), is suspected of using the proceeds of corruption to purchase assets. Irvian is suspected of enjoying up to IDR 69 billion from extortion for K3 certification.

"It's not impossible that the KPK will also use the TPPU article from this predicate crime," said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirmed on Monday, August 25.

However, Budi declined to comment on the likelihood of the money laundering article being applied. Investigators are still focused on investigating the alleged extortion that also implicated Immanuel Ebenezer.

He only confirmed that investigators will trace all money flows related to the extortion. "Currently, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is still focusing on the main issue, namely the alleged extortion or gratification," he stressed.

According to elhkpn.kpk.go.id, Irvian owns 145 square meters (m2)/54 m2 of land and a building in South Jakarta, which is a gift without a deed, worth IDR 1,278,247,000.

He also reported ownership of a 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero, acquired by himself, valued at IDR 335,000,000.

He also owns other movable assets totaling IDR 75,253,273, and cash and cash equivalents worth IDR 2,216,873,795. This brings his total assets to IDR 3,905,374,068.

Meanwhile, in the case presented by the KPK, Irvian is known to have received approximately IDR 69 billion in extortion proceeds related to the processing of K3 certification.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also discovered that Irvian was nicknamed "sultan" by Immanuel Ebenezer. "He meant someone with a lot of money at the Directorate General of Occupational Safety and Health Supervision," KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto told reporters when confirmed on Saturday, August 23.

As previously reported, the KPK named 11 suspects in connection with alleged extortion for occupational safety and health (K3) certificates. This arrest began with a sting operation (OTT) that netted 14 people, including Deputy Minister of Manpower (Wamenaker) Immanuel Ebenezer.

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

1. Irvian Bobby Mahendro, Coordinator of the K3 Institutional and Personnel Sector for 2022-2025;

2. Gerry Aditya Herwanto Putra, Coordinator of the Occupational Safety Competency Testing and Evaluation Sector from 2022 to present;

3. Subhan, Sub-Coordinator of Occupational Safety at the Directorate General of Occupational Safety and Health Supervision. Occupational Health and Safety Development 2020-2025;

4. Anitasari Kusumawati as Coordinator of Partnerships and Occupational Health Personnel from 2020 to present;

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

6. Fahrurozi as Director General of Manpower and Occupational Health and Safety Development from March 2025 to present;

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

8. Sekarsari Kartika Putri as sub-coordinator;

9. Supriadi as coordinator;

10. Temurila from PT KEM Indonesia; and

11. Miki Mahfud from PT KEM Indonesia.

The suspect's determination began with an intensive investigation and the discovery of two pieces of evidence following a sting operation. It is suspected that the extortion had been going on for a long time.

This suspicion arose from the large amount of evidence found, including 15 cars and 7 motorcycles, as well as IDR 170 million and US$2,201 in cash.

Immanuel Ebenezer has been removed from his position as Deputy Minister of Manpower by President Prabowo Subianto. This decision was made after his legal status was announced by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and made public by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.