In Defence Plea, Nadiem Makarim Links Tom Lembong Case to Criminalisation
The former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019–2024 period, Nadiem Makarim, has unexpectedly invoked the name of Thomas Trikasih Lembong, known as Tom Lembong, in his defence plea. Nadiem stated that the legal case against him is part of a long series of criminalisation practices in Indonesia.
Nadiem made these remarks while reading his defence plea during the trial for alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (2/6/2026). He argued that the corruption case involving sugar imports, which ensnared Tom Lembong (Minister of Trade 2015–2016), serves as evidence of a pattern of irregular law enforcement. He expressed that he is not the first target of what he described as a ‘criminalisation train’.
‘The criminalisation train began long before me. Mr Tom, Ms Ira, Amsal, Ibam, and dozens of others who have not been released to this day,’ Nadiem told the panel of judges.
In his defence, Nadiem emphasised that the public outcry regarding legal processes in Indonesia did not originate from the Chromebook corruption case that implicates him. He highlighted how various irregular legal cases in the country have now become subjects of international scrutiny. He also expressed surprise at the massive support from anti-corruption activists who are simultaneously voicing sharp criticism against current law enforcement agencies, describing this phenomenon as a serious alarm for justice in Indonesia.
Nadiem stated that he no longer views this trial merely as an attempt to defend himself personally. He feels a moral responsibility to reveal what is actually happening behind the scenes regarding the law enforcement against individuals he claims are ‘good people’.
‘God Almighty wants me to stand and read this defence plea not as a victim, but as a witness to what is happening to too many good people in Indonesia,’ he asserted.
Concluding his plea, Nadiem emphasised that the alleged Chromebook corruption case is no longer about injustice against a single individual. He stated that he has fully surrendered himself to the legal decision that will be handed down by the judges.
‘Whether I am imprisoned or not, whether I am impoverished or not, that is in the hands of God and the honourable panel of judges,’ Nadiem concluded.
During the proceedings, Nadiem Makarim admitted to being an amateur in politics and bureaucracy, expressing regret for underestimating political rituals. He expressed sadness at being accused of being a white-collar criminal, asserting that there is no evidence of fund flows in the Chromebook corruption case. Nadiem faces a prison sentence demand of 18 years, though he stated he does not regret his service in the government.