BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA – Immanuel Ebenezer, widely known as Noel, has returned to the public spotlight after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially returned three vehicles belonging to him and his family. The development was followed by criticism of the KPK’s investigative methods and a political message directed at President Prabowo Subianto.

The vehicles were handed back at the KPK’s State Asset Storage Facility (Rupbasan) in Cawang, East Jakarta, on Monday (July 20, 2026).

Noel’s attorney, Aziz Yanuar, said the return of the vehicles confirmed that the assets were not connected to the gratification case for which his client had previously been convicted.

“We are grateful that the process of reclaiming Mr. Immanuel’s and his family’s property has been completed. We also appreciate the KPK for facilitating the return smoothly,” Aziz told reporters.

According to Aziz, public opinion had previously linked the luxury vehicles to Noel’s criminal case. However, he argued that court proceedings ultimately showed the vehicles had no relation to the offense, leading to their return.

Aziz also criticized the KPK’s use of sting operations, known in Indonesia as Operasi Tangkap Tangan (OTT), claiming they often shape public opinion before the legal process is fully concluded.

He argued that the public glorification of OTT operations can amount to “character assassination” and undermine the principle of the presumption of innocence. Aziz added that Noel had prepared documents and evidence that would be disclosed at an appropriate time regarding the handling of the case.

As of Monday, the KPK had not issued an official response to those allegations.

Meanwhile, Noel’s wife, Silvia Harefa, who represented him during the vehicle handover, conveyed a message she said came directly from her husband.

After expressing gratitude to the prosecutors overseeing the asset return, Silvia delivered a political warning aimed at President Prabowo Subianto.

She said Noel urged the President to remain vigilant, predicting that the period between 2026 and 2027 could see increasing rivalry and betrayal among political elites within the President’s inner circle.

Despite the return of the vehicles, Noel’s legal status remains unchanged. He was previously convicted in a gratification case and sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

The latest statements from Noel’s legal team have reignited debate over how corruption cases are communicated to the public, particularly regarding the impact of KPK sting operations on public perception before court proceedings are completed. The anti-graft agency has yet to respond to the criticism or the political remarks made following the return of the vehicles.