Deputy Minister of Manpower Noel Caught in KPK Sting Operation, Ministry of Manpower Office 'Remains Calm'

The Ministry of Manpower's Atmosphere in Jakarta, Thursday (21/8/2025). (ANTARA/Aji Cakti)

JAKARTA - The atmosphere at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker) office in Jakarta appeared normal on Thursday, a day after Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer was arrested in a sting operation (OTT) by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Observations at the location, reported by Antara, showed several employees continuing their activities as usual, including during their lunch break.

There were no visible operational disruptions or service closures at the ministry's headquarters.

Occupational Safety and Health (K3) services at the Ministry of Manpower's One-Stop Integrated Service (PTSA) also continued as usual.

Several security officers were also seen standing guard around the building, but there was no noticeable extra security presence.

As previously reported, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer in a sting operation on Wednesday night in Jakarta. This operation is suspected to be related to extortion practices against several companies in obtaining K3 certification.

"(The sting operation) is related to the processing of K3 certification," said KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto to reporters on Thursday, August 21.

Fitroh said that in addition to the Deputy Minister of Manpower, the KPK also arrested 10 other individuals in the sting operation. However, the KPK has not yet detailed the identities of those arrested or the amount of evidence confiscated.

According to regulations, the KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those arrested in the sting operation.

The case involving the Deputy Minister of Manpower is the fifth sting operation conducted by the KPK in 2025.

Previously, the KPK also conducted sting operations in several other cases, including:

March 2025, an sting operation in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra, which implicated members of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) and officials from the local Public Works and Public Housing Agency.

June 2025, an sting operation related to alleged bribery in a road construction project at the North Sumatra Provincial Public Works and Public Housing Agency and the North Sumatra Region I National Road Implementation Work Unit.

August 7–8, 2025, sting operations in Jakarta, Kendari, and Makassar related to alleged corruption in the East Kolaka Regional General Hospital construction project.

August 13, 2025, sting operations in Jakarta related to alleged bribery in a forest management cooperation case.

To date, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has not provided a detailed official statement regarding the case involving Immanuel Ebenezer. Further information will be released through a press conference in the near future.