Poso, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized the importance of respecting the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following the arrest of Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer in a sting operation on Thursday.

"We respect the ongoing legal proceedings. We respect the independence of the KPK," Gibran told reporters after visiting earthquake-affected residents at a public elementary school in Poso District, Central Sulawesi, on Friday.

He also reaffirmed his full support for President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to freeing Indonesia from corruption.

"In principle, as a presidential aide, I am genuinely committed to supporting Mr. President in eradicating corruption from this country," he said.

The KPK's fifth sting operation this year netted Ebenezer along with 13 others, suspected of extorting companies seeking occupational safety and health certificates.

According to KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto, investigators also seized 22 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, linked to the case.

At a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto announced that 11 of the detainees, including Ebenezer, had been named suspects. Ebenezer will be held until September 10 at the KPK detention facility in Jakarta.

Earlier, top officials had voiced strong reactions to the case.

Through his spokesperson, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, President Prabowo expressed deep disappointment over Ebenezer's arrest, calling it a setback to his anti-corruption agenda. Even so, Hadi stressed that the president respects KPK procedures and supports the legal process.

Manpower Minister Yassierli also echoed Prabowo's stance, vowing to dismiss ministry officials found guilty of corruption.

"As instructed by President Prabowo, there must be no tolerance for corrupt practices," he said.

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