Drama in Nadiem's Trial: Chaos Erupts as Former BPK Head Calls Audit Flawed

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The continuation of the trial in the alleged corruption case regarding the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops for the defendant, former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim, at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (6/5/2026), was marked by a commotion between the Public Prosecutors (JPU) and the legal defence team. The altercation occurred while former Chairman of the Financial Audit Board (BPK) Agung Firman Sampurna was giving testimony as an expert witness for the defence. The verbal clash was triggered when one of the prosecutors deemed Agung’s explanation to be outside the context of the question. “I request consistency only. The expert should also be consistent in providing answers, do not venture into areas that are not your domain,” stated one of the prosecutors. “I am quite knowledgeable in that field, Your Honours. And, it is proven that I previously assisted the Prosecutor’s Office significantly. Please respect me as well,” replied Agung. That statement immediately provoked a response from the prosecutor. “Mr Expert, who is not respecting you?” retorted the prosecutor. The situation heated up after Nadiem’s lawyer, Ari Yusuf, intervened. “Your attitude! Your manner of speaking is improper,” shouted Ari Yusuf. Tensions escalated with back-and-forth exchanges in raised voices. “You should be the polite one; we’re speaking civilly. If it’s about shouting, we can shout too,” said Ari Yusuf. The panel of judges repeatedly attempted to diffuse the atmosphere. “Hold on. Hey, be quiet, the prosecutors be quiet,” said Judge Purwanto.