Corruption Scandal: Indonesia's Deputy Manpower Minister Arrested

Indonesia's anti-corruption agency has apprehended Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer and 13 others over alleged extortion. The arrest marks a significant development as Ebenezer is the first cabinet member of President Prabowo Subianto, who has strongly campaigned against corruption. The case revolves around safety permit irregularities.

In a significant development, Indonesia's anti-corruption agency has arrested Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, along with 13 others, in an ongoing extortion investigation, the agency announced on Thursday.

As the first cabinet member under President Prabowo Subianto to face such charges, Ebenezer's arrest highlights a pressing challenge to the president's anti-corruption campaign. While details are sparse, the investigation centers on alleged irregularities in the issuance of safety permits by the ministry.

Should Ebenezer be convicted, he will be immediately replaced, according to presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi. Indonesia's global standing on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, where it ranks 99 out of 180, underscores the urgency of addressing graft within the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)