Former Secretary General of Ministry of Education and Culture Claims Dismissal Shortly After Nadiem Appointed as Minister

Jakarta - Didik Suhardi, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), has claimed that he was removed from his position shortly after Nadiem Makarim was appointed as minister.

Suhardi made the statement whilst testifying as a witness in a continuing hearing for a suspected corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops at the Corruption Court in Jakarta on Monday, 2 March 2026.

“I was replaced as secretary general on 16 December 2019,” Suhardi said during the court hearing.

Suhardi recounted that shortly after Nadiem took office, he was called in for an audience. “One day after he assumed office, I was summoned and then interviewed. At that time, Minister Nadiem and Ms Najeela Shihab were present, both of them,” he continued.

Suhardi stated that during the interview, the atmosphere was not conducive. He was unable to provide comprehensive explanations as his statements were frequently interrupted mid-sentence.

“Then, seven days after that, I was informed that I would be replaced and offered a position as specialist staff,” he added.

After learning of his dismissal, Suhardi said he once requested an explanation from Nadiem. He felt he needed to understand what his mistake was so that he could explain the position change to his colleagues and family.

“I asked him what my mistake was, because I needed to explain to my family, to my colleagues and to friends, because for civil service position transfers there must be evidence that I committed an error,” he stated.

Suhardi further noted that many officials had wanted him to remain as Secretary General. “I asked him, but there was none. In fact, he said many people had requested that I remain in the secretary general position. However, because he subsequently informed me that I would be made a specialist staff member,” Suhardi said.