Ahead of Plea, Nadiem Asserts No Violations or State Losses in Chromebook Case

The former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiendum Anwar Makarim, has asserted that there were no procedural violations or state losses in the Chromebook procurement programme. This statement was made by Nadiem prior to his plea hearing at court on Tuesday (2/6/2026).

Nadiem expressed gratitude for being able to attend in improving health, following five surgeries due to recurring infections experienced during his detention. He thanked the media for helping to voice the facts presented in court and expressed appreciation to the public, including teachers and anti-corruption activists, for monitoring the trial.

Nadiem stated that the case transcends his personal situation, affecting the future of justice and public trust in Indonesia’s legal system. He claimed that preparing his defence is straightforward because no facts are being concealed, asserting that the procurement process followed extremely high security and study standards.

He explicitly denied any administrative negligence or procedural errors, reiterating that there were no state losses. Nadiem’s legal counsel stated that the defence will focus on proving the absence of ‘mens rea’ or criminal intent in the policies implemented during his tenure. The legal team also argued that the prosecution’s indictment conflated ministerial policy with corporate actions, which fall under different legal jurisdictions.

Previously, prosecutors demanded an 18-year prison sentence and a fine of Rp1 billion for Nadiem in relation to the alleged corruption of the education digitalisation programme involving Chromebooks and CDM between 2020 and 2022. In addition to imprisonment, prosecutors sought restitution of Rp809.5 billion and Rp4.8 trillion, totalling Rp5.6 trillion, with a substitute prison term of nine years if the amount is not paid.