Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has officially removed Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan from his position as Deputy Minister of Manpower, following his being named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in an alleged extortion case.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, who also serves as the president’s spokesperson, said that President Prabowo has signed the official letter confirming Ebenezer’s removal.
“Following this, we leave all legal proceedings to run their course. We hope this serves as a lesson for all Red and White Cabinet members and government officials,” Hadi stated.
The president has reminded all officials of the importance of fully committing to eradicating corruption, Hadi added.
“Once again, Mr. President expects us all to work hard to fight corruption,” he emphasized.
Separately, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed that 11 individuals, including Ebenezer, have been named as suspects in the alleged extortion case involving the issuance of Occupational Health and Safety permits.
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Budiyanto said Ebenezer will be detained for 20 days, from August 22 to September 10, at KPK’s Red and White Detention Center.
On Thursday, Ebenezer was apprehended in a KPK sting operation. During the operation, the commission seized Rp 170 million (around US$10,625), US$2,201, and other denominations of cash, along with 22 vehicles owned by Ebenezer and the other 10 suspects.
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“These pieces of evidence indicate that the alleged extortion has been ongoing for quite some time, estimated from 2019 to the present,” Budiyanto noted.
Following the announcement, Ebenezer publicly apologized to President Prabowo Subianto. He also claimed that he was not caught in the sting operation and denied involvement in the extortion case, expressing hope that the president might grant him amnesty.
