Former Google Executive Denies Promising Rp 809 Billion to Nadiem for Chromebook Use
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Google executive and ex-Chair of the Chromebook Development Team, Caesar Sengupta, stated that Google never planned or provided Rp 809 billion to former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim in connection with the procurement of Chromebooks.
Caesar made this statement while serving as a character witness for Nadiem in the trial of the alleged corruption case regarding the Chromebook laptop procurement.
“Did Google or witness Caesar ever intend to and carry out the provision of Rp 809 billion to the defendant Nadiem Makarim because he had made a decision directing the use of Chrome OS?” asked Nadiem’s legal advisor, Radhie Noviadi Yusuf, during the hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court, on Monday (20/4/2026).
“No,” Caesar replied.
Caesar denied ever giving any instructions to Google or Nadiem regarding the receipt of money.
“Not at all (ever said that),” Caesar answered.
During the hearing, Nadiem’s side questioned Caesar about the Rp 809 billion transaction between PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (AKAB) and PT Gojek Indonesia.
“Did Google ever instruct PT AKAB to acquire PT Gojek Indonesia for Rp 809 billion in 2021?” Radhie asked.
“That transaction seems like a question for internal GoTo and Gojek. Google would never know about or approve or disapprove of this transaction because it is not related to Google,” Caesar said.
Furthermore, Radhie asked a hypothetical question regarding the mechanism for Google to disburse funds exceeding Rp 100 billion or possibly Rp 809 billion.
Caesar stated that Google has very strict mechanisms and multi-layered processes for every financial transaction.
“What I can explain is that Google has very strict processes for any payments, including commercial collaborations. This process involves multi-layered approvals and requires approval from the legal and ethics divisions, with multiple checks before the payment is made,” Caesar explained.
He emphasised that this method is not related to Nadiem’s charges of alleged enrichment by Rp 809 billion. What he described is the general method for transactions at Google.