Nadiem begins plea by paying tribute to Jokowi and Prabowo
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019–2024 period, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, began the reading of his plea, or defence note, by paying tribute to the Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia. These tributes were extended to the 5th President, Megawati Soekertoputri; the 6th President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; the 7th President, Joko Widodo; and the 8th President, Prabowo Subianto.
“They are the Presidents of the Republic of Indonesia who are with us today,” Nadiem stated during the plea reading session at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. Nadiem remarked that thanks to the democratic legacy fought for by these presidents, he is able to stand before the panel of judges today to present his defence as a citizen. This defence, he noted, is a right and one of the most precious pillars of the Republic of Indonesia, loved by its entire nation.
In addition to the nation’s leaders, Nadiem expressed special appreciation to university professors, as well as legal and anti-corruption figures who have voiced their concerns for justice. “Of course, I also wish to thank from the bottom of my heart the entire Indonesian people who have followed this trial, helping to uncover the truth in their own ways. Because of all this support and prayer, I do not stand alone today,” Nadiem added.
Previously, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison, a fine of Rp1 billion (subsidised by 190 days in prison), and restitution of Rp5.67 trillion (subsidised by 9 years in prison). In this case, Nadiem is accused of corruption causing state financial losses of Rp2.18 trillion. The corruption allegedly involved the procurement of information and communication technology-based learning tools, specifically Chromebook laptops and CDM, for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 fiscal years, which did not comply with procurement planning and principles.
The founder of one of the technology companies is accused of acting in concert with three other defendants in separate trials, namely Ibrahim Arief (alias Ibam), Mulyatsyah, and Sri Wahyuningsih, as well as Jurist Tan, who remains a fugitive. Through these actions, Nadiem allegedly received funds amounting to Rp809.59 billion from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) via PT Gojek Indonesia. It was noted that a large portion of PT AKAB’s funds originated from a Google investment worth 786.99 million USD. This was reflected in Nadiem’s wealth report (LHKPN) for 2022, which showed securities holdings valued at Rp5.59 trillion. For his actions, the former Minister faces charges under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st KUHP.