After 18-Year Demand, Nadiem Immediately Undergoes Surgery

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, stated that he would immediately undergo surgery after being demanded an 18-year prison sentence in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops, at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

“I will undergo surgery tonight. I am sad, I am disappointed, my family is deeply affected by (the demand),” said Nadiem, while sobbing after the prosecutor’s demand reading session on Wednesday.

Nadiem admitted he did not know how to describe his feelings about the ongoing legal process.

He stated that his health condition required him to undergo the surgical procedure immediately.

After the surgery, the trial will resume on Tuesday (2/6/2026), with the defence agenda.

On that occasion, Nadiem asked for prayers from the Indonesian people, including for the former technology consultant of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Ibrahim Arief alias Ibam.

He also said he stands for those whom he believes are experiencing legal injustices.

“I stand here for them too, not just me. So, please pray,” said Nadiem.

Nadiem also expressed thanks to several parties who have continuously provided support during the trial process.

“I don’t feel alone standing here because there are you all,” said Nadiem.

According to him, public support keeps him strong in undergoing the legal process.

“I feel like my shoulder is held by all the people who were part of our previous struggle. So, thank you, I stand there alone but I don’t feel alone. Thank you for this country’s support,” he said.

Nadiem hopes that Indonesia’s young generation does not lose hope for the nation’s future.