K3 Scandal: Alleged Funds Flow to “Ibu Menteri” Revealed in Court

Allegations of Funds Flow to Minister Surface in K3 Certification Case

Jakarta – Testimony in the ongoing trial of Immanuel Ebenezer, former Deputy Minister of Manpower, has brought to light allegations of funds being directed to a former minister in connection with the processing of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) certifications. The claims emerged during proceedings at the Jakarta Central District Court’s Corruption Court on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Defense counsel Munarman presented evidence in the form of a conversation between Haiyani Rumondang, the former Secretary to the Director General of Industrial Supervision and K3, and Hery Sutanto, Director of Institutional Development. The exchange reportedly details a transfer of 50 million Rupiah.

“This is a conversation between Ivon Dayona and Mr. Hery Sutanto. I want to confirm with the witness. ‘Assalamualaikum Pak Dir, please be informed that we have received a total of Euro 50 million. We will hand it over to Bu Dirjen, Pak.’ This first message is from Ivon,” Munarman stated in court. “Then Ivon sent another message to Hery, ‘And we inform you that the money is for the Minister’s wife.’ This clearly refers to the previous administration, doesn’t it? Do you know anything about this? Or did Ivon communicate this directly to the Minister’s wife, or through you?”

Haiyani Rumondang responded that she did not recall whether Ivon had relayed the message to her. “Until now, I don’t remember whether I was the one who conveyed the message, or if I received it and then passed it on. The communication mentions that Ivon sent another message in the afternoon stating that it had been given to Bu Dirjen. So, please remind me if there is anything,” she said.

Munarman emphasized that he presented the conversation to jog Haiyani’s memory regarding the alleged flow of funds. “I am simply reading this to remind you. ‘And we inform you that the money is for the Minister’s wife.’ Is that correct? Does this practice seem to have existed in the previous period? A practice of giving money, gratification, a sort of tribute. Was this already happening?” he questioned.

Haiyani firmly denied any knowledge of such practices. “I don’t know, and throughout my time at Binwasnaker, I was never aware of this practice,” she asserted.

The case centers around allegations that Ebenezer and his associates extorted Rp 6.5 billion from individuals seeking K3 certificates and licenses. Prosecutors detailed these claims during the initial hearing on January 19, 2026, stating the scheme had been ongoing since 2021.

According to the prosecution, Ebenezer personally received Rp 3.365 billion and a Ducati Scrambler motorcycle from officials within the Ministry of Manpower and private individuals involved in the case. Crucially, prosecutors allege that Ebenezer failed to report these receipts to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) within the legally mandated 30-day timeframe.

Ebenezer is facing charges under Article 12 letter e in conjunction with Article 18 of the Law on Corruption Eradication, as well as Article 20 letter c of the Criminal Code, and Article 127 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.

The emergence of the alleged payment to the former minister’s wife adds a new layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the extent of the alleged corruption within the Ministry of Manpower. The trial is expected to continue, with further testimony potentially shedding more light on the alleged scheme and the individuals involved. The allegations, if proven, could significantly broaden the scope of the investigation and lead to further charges.

The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns about corruption within government agencies responsible for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. The alleged extortion scheme not only deprived individuals of funds but also potentially compromised the integrity of the K3 certification process, raising questions about the safety standards of workplaces across the country.

The court proceedings are being closely watched by anti-corruption advocates and legal observers, who hope that the case will serve as a deterrent to future acts of corruption and promote greater transparency and accountability within the government.