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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Manpower Ministry Official 'Sultan' Volunteers as King's Witness in Bribery Case

From Tempo · (1h ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) official, Irvian Bobby Mahendro, has volunteered to be a 'king's witness' in a bribery case.
  • The case involves alleged extortion related to K3 certification processing at the ministry.
  • The court will hear Bobby's testimony, which is expected to cover all defendants, as he is considered to have a lighter role.

Tempo, a respected Indonesian news outlet, reports on a significant development in the ongoing corruption trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court. Irvian Bobby Mahendro, a coordinator for Occupational Safety and Health (K3) at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) and nicknamed 'Sultan,' has stepped forward to become a 'king's witness.' This means he will testify on behalf of the prosecution against his co-defendants in the alleged bribery and extortion scheme surrounding K3 certification.

Sesuai dengan agenda persidangan minggu lalu, hari ini masih akan mendengarkan keterangan saksi yang akan diajukan oleh penuntut umum. Bagaimana penuntut umum mengenai pemeriksaan saksi hari ini?

— Nur Sari BaktianaThe Chief Judge inquiring about the day's proceedings and the plan to hear witness testimony.

The trial, presided over by Chief Judge Nur Sari Baktiana, took a turn when the prosecutor informed the court of Bobby's request to act as a king's witness. Bobby, who confirmed his intention to testify for all defendants, is seen by the prosecution as having a less significant role, primarily related to certificate processing. This move, however, has raised questions from the defense.

Untuk hari ini sesuai dengan apa yang kami sampaikan pada persidangan sebelumnya, ada satu terdakwa mengajukan permohonan menjadi saksi mahkota.

— KPK ProsecutorThe prosecutor informing the court about Irvian Bobby Mahendro's request to become a king's witness.

Munarman, the lawyer for former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, challenged the prosecution's assessment of Bobby's role, citing legal criteria for king's witnesses. He questioned how Bobby's role could be deemed the 'lightest' and sought clarification on the Jakarta Central District Court's approval of the request. The prosecution, referencing Article 74 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), argued that Bobby's request, submitted through his advocate, is valid.

Betul Yang Mulia. Saya mengajukan sebagai saksi mahkota untuk persidangan pada hari ini.

— Irvian Bobby MahendroBobby confirming his voluntary offer to act as a king's witness.

This case highlights the complexities of corruption investigations in Indonesia, where the legal system allows for such witness arrangements to uncover broader networks of corruption. The defense's challenge underscores the importance of due process and the scrutiny applied to witness testimonies. Tempo will continue to follow the proceedings closely, as Bobby's testimony could shed further light on the alleged corrupt practices within Kemnaker.

Pertanyaan kami, bagaimana jaksa penuntut menilai bahwa yang diajukannya ini adalah perannya yang paling ringan?

— MunarmanNoel's lawyer questioning the prosecution's assessment of Bobby's role as the 'lightest' among the defendants.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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