Nadiem Delivers Plea, Claims Chromebook Project Saved Rp 3.9 Trillion in Budget
Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiim Makarim, has read his defence (plea) in the corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM). Nadiem maintains his innocence in the case.
The plea was delivered during a trial at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (2/6/2026). Nadiem initially stated that the Chromebook procurement saved state expenditure by Rp 3.9 trillion.
“Honourable Panel of Judges, the Ministry’s policy to choose the free Chrome OS has absolutely saved the Indonesian state expenditure by at least Rp 3.9 trillion. This figure is far above the alleged state losses,” Nadiem said.
Nadiem asserted that there were no state losses, no unlawful acts, and no enrichment of others or corporations in the project. He argued that the case arose from administrative errors.
“With all due respect, none of these elements have been proven in this case. I hope the Panel of Judges can see that this is not a case of administrative error that I was unaware of. There were no losses caused by negligence. This case has shocked many parties, including myself, because it is purely an investigative error,” he stated.
Nadiem also clarified that Google’s investment in Gojek is unrelated to the Chromebook procurement. He claimed he never signed any decision or document regarding the procurement of ChromeOS.
“What is even more surprising is the fact that the decision to choose Chrome OS was not a ministerial decision. I never signed any document related to the procurement of Chromebook laptops under the ministry. Although I agree with the technical team’s decision, which saved such a large budget, this authority lies entirely with them,” he said.
He mentioned that there was only one chat with a former consultant, Ibrahim Arief, regarding a request to consider using Windows, and claimed his ‘Go ahead’ remark and good intentions were misinterpreted.
“My good intention to relinquish my voting rights in GOTO shares to avoid a conflict of interest was misinterpreted as a disguise for control,” he added.
Nadiem also addressed the ‘white-collar crime’ narrative presented by the prosecutor during the sentencing demand, expressing sadness over the accusation.
“Since there is no concrete evidence of personal gain, I am very saddened by this new narrative. ‘White-collar crime’. I am accused of being too clever for corruption that is visible on the surface. My alleged corruption is so well-hidden that neither I nor the prosecutor understands the modus operandi. Because the Prosecutor has given up arguing with evidence, all that remains is a narrative of suspicion,” he remarked.
He stated he does not regret serving as a minister and requested an acquittal, citing his innocence and referencing other high-profile cases. “My only hope from the Judges’ decision is a full acquittal. There is no other option,” Nadiem said during the trial.
Previously, Nadiem Makarim faced a prison sentence demand of 18 years. Prosecutors believe Nadiem is guilty in this case.
“Demanding that the Panel of Judges declare the Defendant Nadiem Anwar Makarim has been proven legally and convincingly guilty of committing corruption offences committed jointly,” said prosecutor Roy Riady during the sentencing demand at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday (13/5).
“Imposing a prison sentence on the defendant Nadiem Anwar Makarim of 18 years,” the prosecutor added.
Nadiem is also required to pay a fine of Rp 1 billion, or an additional 190 days in prison. Furthermore, the prosecutor demands Nadiem pay restitution of Rp 809,596,125,000 and Rp 4,871,469,603,758, totalling approximately Rp 5.6 trillion. Prosecutors stated that Nadiem’s assets may be seized and auctioned to cover the restitution; if insufficient, he faces an additional 9 years in prison.