{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1695723,
        "msgid": "tearfully-pleading-for-release-ibrahim-arief-i-was-forced-to-become-a-suspect-1777017128",
        "date": "2026-04-23 12:38:25",
        "title": "Tearfully Pleading for Release, Ibrahim Arief: I Was Forced to Become a Suspect",
        "author": "Ardito Ramadhan",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Legal",
        "summary": "Former technology consultant for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Ibrahim Arief, tearfully delivered a personal plea in Jakarta's Corruption Court, denying any wrongdoing in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops and rejecting a 15-year prison sentence. He claimed he was unjustly targeted without evidence, describing the process as criminalisation of professionals aiding the state, and questioned what crime he committed against Indonesia after sacrificing high-paying opportunities to serve the country. The case highlights tensions in public procurement and the personal toll of corruption allegations on government contributors.",
        "content": "<p>JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former technology consultant for the Ministry\nof Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Ibrahim Arief, has\nrequested that the panel of judges acquit him from the 15-year prison\ndemand in the alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of\nChromebook-based laptops.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope the honourable panel of judges can rule me not guilty and\nrestore my dignity and honour after all this time I have struggled to\nclear my name,\u201d Ibrahim stated while reading his personal plea in the\nJakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (23\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n<p>Ibam, as he is affectionately known, repeatedly broke down in tears\nwhile reading his personal defence note or plea.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am not guilty. I was arrested and forced to become a suspect from\nvarious allegations without evidence that ultimately proved unfounded,\u201d\nIbam said, his eyes welling up with tears.<\/p>\n<p>He claimed he never instructed the selection of Chromebooks in the\nministry\u2019s procurement.<\/p>\n<p>The study he prepared was merely a recommendation that still needed\nto be determined by the ministry\u2019s side.<\/p>\n<p>Ibam also addressed the demand for restitution of Rp 16.9\nbillion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow, in the face of a 22.5-year prison demand and efforts to\nimpoverish my family, I dare to state loudly that yes, this is\ncriminalisation. Criminalisation against me and all professionals who\nwish to help the state,\u201d Ibam said.<\/p>\n<p>Ibam stated that during the past 11 months of following the legal\nprocess, he has continuously wondered.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWithout evidence of my input due to a conflict of interest, I return\nto my initial question, Your Honour, what is my sin against Indonesia?\u201d\nIbam said.<\/p>\n<p>He rejected a salary of hundreds of millions and various facilities\nin order to serve the state, but now Ibam has become one of the\ndefendants accused of corruption.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI consider all this as an additional price I must pay for the\nsacrifices I and my family have made for the state so far,\u201d he\ncontinued.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tearfully-pleading-for-release-ibrahim-arief-i-was-forced-to-become-a-suspect-1777017128",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}