Nandito Putra, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Deputy Minister of Manpower, Immanuel Ebenezer, as a suspect in a case of extortion related to the processing of Occupational Health and Safety Certification (K3 Certification). The suspect designation was announced in a press conference held on Friday, August 22, 2025.
KPK Chair Setyo Budiyanto revealed that the K3 certification fees were inflated from the official tariff of Rp275,000 to Rp6 million in this case. "Workers who should only pay Rp275,000 were forced to pay up to Rp6 million," he said during the press conference.
In addition to Immanuel Ebenezer or Noel, KPK has also named 10 other individuals as suspects. This case stemmed from a sting operation on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. During the operation, the KPK apprehended 14 individuals, including Ministry of Manpower employees and private individuals. During the operation, the KPK seized 15 cars and seven motorcycles (one of which belonged to Noel), as well as Rp170 million and US$2,201 in cash.
The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, expressed his concern regarding the case involving his subordinates. He emphasized that occupational health and safety (K3) issues still pose a significant challenge, considering the rising number of workplace accidents in Indonesia over the past few years.
Indonesia's workplace accidents actual data
Data from satudata.kemnaker.go.id shows that the number of workplace accidents recorded was 298,137 cases in 2022, which then surged to 370,747 cases in 2023. As of October 2024, the number of cases had already reached 356,383. These figures do not yet include the informal sector and unregistered companies.
"If all accidents were recorded, the number could be much higher. This reflects that the culture of prioritizing safety in the workplace has not been firmly established," said Yassierli, as quoted from a written statement.
Workplace accidents in the nickel smelting industry are often highlighted. On February 16, 2025, a worker at PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel named Marjan died after being crushed by a 150-kilogram material in the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) area.
Records from the Mining and Energy Industry Workers Union (SBIPE) indicate that at least three accidents occurred in Morowali in February 2025. One worker lost three fingers due to outdated equipment.
Meanwhile, the Sembada Bersama Indonesia report recorded 104 workplace accidents in the nickel processing sector from 2019 to 2025. Data from Rasamala Hijau Indonesia also shows 32 workers died in smelters and mines throughout 2024.
Therefore, K3 certification is necessary so that workers and companies have the competence to implement workplace safety standards. In general, the implementation of K3 aims to prevent work-related accidents and illnesses, create a safe working environment, improve productivity, and fulfill legal obligations.
– Yosea Arga Pramudita contributed to this article