Dissenting Opinion in Ibam's Verdict Offers Hope for Nadiem

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Makarim feels saddened by the verdict against his former consultant, Ibrahim Arief alias Ibam. Ibam was sentenced to four years in prison in the same Chromebook case as Nadiem.

Nadiem stated this ahead of his own prosecution hearing in the Chromebook case today at the Central Jakarta District Court. Nevertheless, Nadiem continues to respect the decision of the panel of judges.

“Yes, it’s very saddening for me to see that decision, but let’s see, I respect the legal process,” Nadiem said on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

Nadiem referred to the dissenting opinion or differing view of the judge in Ibam’s verdict. Nadiem believes that Ibam should have been acquitted if the dissenting opinion of those two judges is considered.

“It seems that two out of the five judges already felt that he should be freed,” Nadiem said.

Nadiem also assessed that the presence of the dissenting opinion indicates that the Chromebook procurement was carried out in accordance with procedures. Therefore, Nadiem hopes that this will provide hope.

“That gives hope, a strong signal like that towards the actual facts of the trial being very strong. Yes, I can only pray for Ibam and his family,” Nadiem said.