Harsh Jab from Prosecutor at Nadiem Makarim: No Need to Pretend to Be on an IV Drip

Jakarta, VIVA - The Public Prosecutor (JPU) has highlighted the attitude of the defendant, former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, which is deemed potentially to hinder the continuation of the trial in the alleged corruption case regarding Chromebook procurement at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, on Monday, 4 May 2026.

JPU Roy Riady stated that actions during the trial process that create certain impressions can trigger negative perceptions in society.

“We regret such methods in the trial process that can generate unfavourable opinions in society,” said Roy, quoted on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

He also emphasised that the defendant’s health condition is good. Based on direct confirmation with doctors at Abdi Waluyo Hospital, there was no IV treatment being administered during the trial.

“I want to explain that the defendant was in good health yesterday and not on an IV,” he said.

According to him, medical documentation shows that any previous IV insertion was on the upper arm, not on the hand as appeared during the trial.

“He was infused on the upper arm, but yesterday it was bandaged as if it was on the hand,” he said.

His side still respects the health reasons provided by the defendant, including complaints of pain in the back area. However, the results of medical examinations indicate a generally normal condition.

“Medically, he is healthy, but those complaints are subjective and we respect them; we do not force attendance at the trial,” said Roy.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining honesty and propriety during the legal process.

“There is no need for us to act as if on an IV,” he added.

It was previously reported that the trial in the alleged Chromebook procurement corruption case was postponed after the former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek), who is also a defendant in the case, Nadiem Makarim, complained of illness before the trial.

Public Prosecutor (JPU) from the Attorney General’s Office, Roy Riady, revealed that based on a physical examination on Tuesday morning and referring to laboratory results, Nadiem’s condition is within normal limits and there is no fever.

“This means, in conclusion, Mr Nadiem is actually in good health, so he is permitted to leave the hospital temporarily, in this case to carry out the trial process,” said the JPU at the trial at the Corruption Criminal Court at the Central Jakarta District Court, Tuesday, 5 May 2026.