Central Jakarta Court Tightens Security Ahead of Nadiem Makarim Verdict

The Central Jakarta District Court (PN Jakpus) tightened security on Tuesday ahead of the verdict hearing for the alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of Chromebooks, which implicates former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim. Security was reinforced by deploying Brimob personnel from the Metro Jaya Police to the Corruption Court area within the Central Jakarta District Court, where the hearing is taking place. Court spokesperson Firman Akbar stated that the measure was taken to maintain security and order during the trial, which is scheduled for the reading of the verdict. He noted that the presence of Brimob personnel was due to the defendant being a public figure and former minister, and that public security and order are always the top priority. Brimob officers were observed guarding the entrance and various points around the court complex. The hearing is scheduled to take place in the Muhammad Hatta Ali courtroom, presided over by Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah. Previously, prosecutors demanded that Nadiem be sentenced to 18 years in prison, a fine of Rp1 billion, subsidiary to 190 days of confinement, and restitution of Rp5.67 trillion, subsidiary to nine years of imprisonment. In their indictment, prosecutors stated that the defendant’s actions allegedly caused state financial losses amounting to Rp2.18 trillion. The alleged corruption relates to the procurement of information and communication technology-based learning facilities, specifically Chromebook laptops and CDM, which were deemed inconsistent with planning and government procurement principles. The case has also implicated several other parties, namely Ibrahim Aqil, Mulyatsyah, Sri Wahyuningsih, and Jurist Tan, who remain at large. Nadiem is charged with violating Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.