Jakarta. Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel “Noel” Ebenezer apologized to President Prabowo Subianto and the public on Friday after being named a graft suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a case involving workplace safety certification.

“I first want to apologize to President Prabowo. Second, to my wife and children. Third, to all Indonesians,” Ebenezer told reporters before being taken into custody at the KPK’s headquarters in Jakarta.

The KPK said Ebenezer was among 11 people arrested following a sting operation on Wednesday evening. Investigators allege he received Rp 3 billion ($185,000) in December 2024 from funds tied to a broader Rp 5.5 billion ($338,000) kickback scheme channeled between 2021 and 2024 through intermediaries. The money was linked to the issuance of occupational safety and health certificates.

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto said the suspects will be held in detention for 20 days while the investigation proceeds. “Some of the funds were suspected to have flowed to IEG [Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan],” Setyo said.

Ebenezer’s arrest marks a fresh test for Prabowo, who took office less than a year ago on a pledge to crack down on corruption and restore investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo was not blindsided by the arrest and respects the anti-graft agency’s process. “The president is not surprised. He respects the legal process and allows it to take its course,” Prasetyo said Thursday.

Prasetyo added that Ebenezer would be replaced if formally indicted but noted his prior contributions, including helping the government manage mass layoffs at bankrupt textile giant Sritex earlier this year. “His performance at the ministry was actually commendable,” he said.

Prabowo has repeatedly warned ministers and senior officials that his administration adopts a zero-tolerance stance on graft. The president has made fighting corruption a central agenda item, stressing that accountability is key to maintaining public trust.

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