Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto on Friday dismissed Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, widely known as Noel, after Indonesia’s anti-graft agency named him a suspect in an alleged extortion case tied to workplace safety certifications.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that Prabowo had signed the presidential decree formally removing Ebenezer from his post.

“The President has signed the decree dismissing Mr. Immanuel Ebenezer from his position as Deputy Minister of Manpower. We leave the legal process entirely to law enforcement authorities. The president hopes this will serve as a lesson for all members of the Red-and-White Cabinet and government officials,” Prasetyo said in Jakarta late Friday.

Prasetyo added that Prabowo used the occasion to send a stern warning to his administration. “The President wants us all to work tirelessly in the fight against corruption,” he said.

The 48-year-old politician, a prominent activist-turned-official, was arrested on Wednesday night (Aug. 20) along with 10 others, who were also named suspects in the case.

Ebenezer, 48, apologized to Prabowo, his family, and the public shortly after being named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

“I first want to apologize to President Prabowo. Second, to my wife and children. Third, to all Indonesians,” he told reporters before being taken into custody at KPK headquarters in Jakarta. “Pray for me, so that I may receive amnesty from President Prabowo.”

The KPK said Ebenezer was among 11 people arrested in a sting operation on Wednesday night (Aug. 20). Investigators allege he received Rp 3 billion ($185,000) in December 2024 as part of a larger Rp 5.5 billion ($338,000) kickback scheme that ran between 2021 and 2024 through intermediaries. The funds were linked to the issuance of occupational safety and health (K3) certificates at the ministry.

“KPK investigators have upgraded the case to the investigation stage and designated 11 individuals as suspects. They include IBM, GAH, SB, AK, IEG [Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan], FRZ, HS, SKP, SUP, TEM, and MM,” KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto told reporters at a press briefing at the agency’s Jakarta headquarters.

Ebenezer’s arrest marks the first high-profile corruption case to hit Prabowo’s cabinet since he took office in October 2024. The case could also test the administration’s pledge to strengthen good governance and crack down on graft, an issue that has long undermined investor confidence in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Ebenezer, known for his outspoken style, was appointed deputy manpower minister in late 2024. His portfolio included oversight of workplace safety standards and labor protection policies.

Earlier this year, in February, Ebenezer had joined a rally of online motorcycle riders and car drivers demanding Ramadan bonuses from the ride-hailing companies they worked for. The bonus, usually equivalent to one month’s salary for permanent employees, is not given to gig workers due to their contractual status. Under pressure, companies like Gojek and Grab eventually conceded, offering performance-based bonuses to drivers.

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