Ibrahim Arief Weeps in Chromebook Trial: Feels Criminalised and Reveals Nadiem's Chats

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former technology consultant for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbud-Ristek) Ibrahim Arief repeatedly wept while reading his personal defence note or plea in the alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops. During the session, Ibrahim requested that the panel of judges acquit him from the 15-year prison demand. “I hope that the honourable panel of judges can rule me not guilty and restore my honour and dignity after such a long struggle to clear my name,” said Ibrahim, while reading his personal plea at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (23/4/2026). “I am not guilty. I was arrested and forced to become a suspect from various allegations without evidence that ultimately proved unfounded,” said Ibrahim. Ibrahim also claimed that he never gave instructions for Chromebooks to be selected in the ministry’s procurement. The study he prepared was merely a recommendation that needed further determination by the ministry’s side. Ibrahim also addressed the Rp 16.9 billion restitution demand. He assessed that the Public Prosecutors (JPU) accused him of enjoying the proceeds of corruption even though the Rp 16.9 billion did not originate from the procurement. Ibrahim said that during the past 11 months of following the legal process, he has continuously wondered. “Without any evidence of my input due to a conflict of interest, I return to my initial question, Your Honours, what is my sin against Indonesia?” said Ibrahim.