Judge Reminds Ibrahim Arief Not to Influence Opinion on Chromebook Case Outside Court

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The panel of judges warned former technology consultant Ibrahim Arief, alias Ibam, against creating opinions that steer the narrative in the alleged corruption case of Chromebook-based laptop procurement outside the courtroom proceedings.

This comes as Ibrahim remains in city detention status and is set to face the verdict hearing on 12 May 2026.

“We need to remind you, Mr Ibam, especially since you are in city detention. We hope you will not make statements or opinions outside the courtroom,” said Chief Judge Purwanto S Abdullah during the hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (28/4/2026).

However, some time ago, Ibrahim held a press conference to comment on the demands from the public prosecutors (JPU).

The judge reminded Ibrahim to present his defence within the courtroom realm.

“Use your rights to defend yourself through the proper mechanism, which is in this courtroom,” added Judge Purwanto.

The panel of judges warned that Ibrahim’s actions before the verdict is read will be considered in his current detention status.

“Because that could be a consideration for the panel of judges later regarding your detention status. So we need to remind you, before the reading of the verdict,” said Judge Purwanto again.

“We are only presenting the facts that have emerged, so there is no intention at all to influence opinions,” said Ibam’s lawyer, Afrian Bondjol, when met outside the courtroom.

It should be understood that post-hearing interviews using the doorstop method still fall within the realm of providing statements permitted by the panel of judges.

The JPU is demanding a 15-year prison sentence for Ibrahim Arief with a fine of Rp1 billion, subsidiary 190 days.

He is also demanded to pay restitution of Rp16.9 billion, subsidiary 7.5 years in prison.

In the indictment, Ibrahim is not accused of enriching himself, but of jointly committing unlawful acts.