Nadiem claims integrated technology development closes corruption loopholes
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019-2024 period, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, stated that the development of integrated technology platforms closes loopholes for corruption and state losses, providing more than just access to teaching and learning materials.
While reading his plea (pleidoi) during a session at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday, he stated that the use of technology enhances the transparency of all budgets and activities.
“The procurement of laptops is only a small part of the education digitalisation programme. Many may not realise that the more crucial aspect is that the development of integrated technology platforms closes the gaps for corruption and state losses,” said Nadiem.
Nevertheless, he assessed that many parties do not desire such transparency. Nadiem cited the ‘Merdeka Mengajar’ platform as an example, noting that trillions of rupiah in budget that was previously used for curriculum training has vanished due to the availability of free training via the application.
He added that the Computer-Based National Assessment (ANBK), which shifted from rote memorisation to logic and critical reasoning, has also eliminated the business of tutoring centres and exam booklets that burdened parents, as well as the trade of leaked exam papers which served as a source of income for certain individuals.
Furthermore, he noted that the update of the School Procurement Information System (SIPLah)—an e-commerce platform for schools—has closed the gap for budget manipulation between local government officials and school principals in the regions.
“With the digitalisation of the online Teacher Professional Education (PPG) Programme and the online Selection of Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK), under-the-table dealings to obtain certification and Civil Servant (ASN) status have vanished instantly,” he said.
Consequently, Nadiem argued that the alleged corruption case regarding Chromebooks is a great irony, as he claimed to have continuously fought corruption by digitalising all educational governance systems during his tenure.
He felt that the transparency he built was being met with backlash, describing it as a conflict between the “past” and the “future.”
“Groups that want change are clashing with groups that want to maintain the status quo. I am sure I am not the only one feeling this friction,” said Nadiem.
Nadiem is one of the defendants in the alleged corruption case involving the education digitalisation programme, specifically the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology during 2019-2022.
In this case, Nadiem is accused of corruption causing state losses amounting to Rp2.18 trillion. The corruption allegedly involved conducting the procurement of ICT-based learning facilities, such as Chromebook laptops and CDM for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 fiscal years, in a manner inconsistent with procurement planning and principles.
The founder of one of the technology companies is alleged to have acted alongside three other defendants in separate trials, namely Ibrahim Arief (alias Ibam), Mulyatsyah, and Sri Wahyuningsih, as well as Jurist Tan, who is currently a fugitive.
In detail, the state losses include Rp1.56 trillion related to the education digitalisation programme at the Ministry, as well as 44.05 million US dollars (equivalent to approximately Rp621.39 billion) due to the procurement of unnecessary and non-beneficial CDM for the programme.
It was noted that a large portion of PT AKAB’s funds originated from a Google investment worth 786.99 million US dollars. This was reflected in Nadiem’s wealth as recorded in the State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN) in 2022, which showed securities valued at Rp5.59 trillion.
For his actions, the former Minister faces criminal penalties under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 juncto 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.