Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has launched an asset-tracing investigation into a senior official at the Manpower Ministry accused of masterminding a corruption scheme in the issuance of occupational safety and health (K3) certificates.

The official, Irvian Bobby Mahendro, coordinator of the ministry’s K3 services, was among 11 suspects arrested in the case and is alleged to have pocketed Rp 69 billion ($4.3 million). Known by colleagues as “the Sultan” for his lavish lifestyle, Irvian is believed to have taken the largest share of the illicit proceeds. The case has also implicated Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer.

According to investigators, ministry officials colluded with appointed vendors to inflate K3 certification fees from the official rate of Rp 275,000 to as high as Rp 6 million -- more than 20 times the legal tariff. The practice, which dates back to 2019, allegedly generated Rp 81 billion in illegal revenue.

Asset Discrepancies
KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo said Irvian’s official wealth declaration listed assets worth only Rp 3.9 billion, far below the scale of the illicit income he is accused of receiving.

“This shows clear non-compliance in reporting wealth. His declared assets do not match the findings of our investigation,” Budi said on Sunday.

He added that the commission will apply its “follow the money” principle to track down and seize assets linked to corruption, including those allegedly tied to extortion of workers seeking K3 certificates.

In addition to Irvian’s role, KPK investigators allege that Deputy Minister Immanuel Ebenezer received Rp 3 billion in cash and a Ducati motorcycle as part of the scheme.