Nadiem Accused of Wanting to Create Technology Dependency for Education Reform

JAKARTA — Former technology consultant Stefani Nadia testified that she had previously heard Nadiem Makarim’s vision for creating technology dependency whilst he served as Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology.

This emerged during a continuation of court proceedings in an alleged Chromebook-based corruption case, when the prosecutor read Stefani’s examination report regarding her meeting with Nadiem in 2019, before he became minister.

“There was a vision conveyed by him, namely to carry out education reform that could not be reversed after his term ended by creating dependency on technology,” stated prosecutor Roy Riady during the hearing at Jakarta’s Corruption Court on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Stefani stated that Nadiem’s statement was delivered in English.

When questioned by investigators, Stefani acknowledged she did not provide an exact translation. Her understanding was recorded in the examination report.

“So, Mr Nadiem wanted education reform that, when he was appointed minister, would create technology dependency, which even if he no longer holds office, would continue to be used, is that correct?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes,” Stefani replied.

“So, from your understanding as a witness, the essence of Mr Nadiem’s vision is that the dependency would involve a single platform, correct? Specifically in education. That is why, as a witness, you analogised it as being like the Gojek application, correct?” the attorney asked.

Stefani clarified her statement in the examination report. According to her, Nadiem’s explanation when he called her was still in broad terms, not detailed.

Stefani also understood that the dependency Nadiem wanted was not limited to a single application.

“Again, if specifically one platform, no, but rather the essence of dependency on applications,” she said.