In Chromebook Trial, LKPP Expert States Government Can Directly Negotiate with Manufacturers

A procurement expert from the LKPP, Setya Budi Arijanta, was presented by the public prosecutors in the trial of the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) today. Setya stated that the government’s procurement process allows for direct negotiation with manufacturers. This was conveyed by Setya at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday (6/4/2026). Setya recounted his experience of negotiating directly with manufacturers for a long time. “There are people who think that manufacturers can’t bargain, they say. But in my case, I negotiated with manufacturers and there was no problem; since 1995, I’ve done negotiations through manufacturers without any issues,” said Setya. Setya expressed astonishment at the presence of individuals claiming that negotiations cannot be conducted directly with manufacturers. Setya also showed regulations that permit government procurement of goods and services directly through manufacturers. “But I’m astonished at who gave the advice that manufacturers can’t bargain; I’m still looking for who provided that teaching that made everyone wrong. Then, yesterday I showed Government Regulation No. 29 of 2021 on Trade Implementation. Indeed, it states that manufacturers are prohibited from selling directly to consumers, but the next article exempts this provision for government procurement of goods and services,” he said. Setya then exemplified the procurement of fighter jets abroad. According to him, the government’s procurement of fighter jets is done by directly negotiating with manufacturers. “Yesterday I exemplified buying alutsista helicopters; is there a reseller selling them or fighter jets? No. So, it has to be directly to the manufacturer; it’s cheaper, much so,” he said. In this case, Nadiem Makarim is charged with corruption related to the procurement of Chromebook laptops while serving as Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The project is said to have caused state losses of Rp 2.1 trillion. Nadiem has filed an exception. The judge rejected the exception and requested that the trial proceed to the proof stage.