"First of all, I would like to offer an apology to President Prabowo Subianto," he stated at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday.
The deputy minister also sought forgiveness from his family and the Indonesian people. However, he stressed that he had not been arrested in a KPK sting operation, contrary to widespread reports.
"It should be noted that I was not nabbed in a sting operation. Furthermore, the case I am implicated in is not one of extortion. I find it necessary to clarify these matters to prevent the spread of narratives that might weigh me down," he emphasized.
He further expressed hope that President Prabowo would grant him an amnesty.
On Thursday (August 21), KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto stated that Ebenezer was among 14 individuals apprehended during the anti-graft agency’s sting related to the alleged extortion.
The operation also led to the sealing of the Manpower Ministry’s Directorate General of Supervision and Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the confiscation of cash and 22 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles.
"There were several cars, and also a Ducati motorcycle," Rohcahyanto noted.
At a press conference the following day, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto announced that 11 individuals, including Ebenezer, had been named suspects in the case, adding that the deputy minister would be detained at the KPK Headquarters’ facility in Jakarta until September 10.
Ebenezer is suspected of violating Article 12 letter e and/or Article 12B of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) point 1 of the Criminal Code.
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Translator: Rio F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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