Nadiem expresses sadness over first Ramadan and Eid separated from family
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Nadiem Anwar Makarim, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019-2024 period, has expressed sadness at observing his first Ramadan and Eid celebration whilst separated from his family, as he remains detained in prison custody due to allegations of corruption in the Chromebook procurement case.
“I am very sad that I cannot be with my family and my children. It is deeply saddening for me,” said Nadiem when encountered before a witness examination hearing at the Corruption Court at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday.
Nevertheless, despite still undergoing medical treatment due to his health condition, he expressed gratitude at being able to observe the Ramadan fast during this year’s holy month alongside fellow detainees in the correctional facility.
Together with other inmates, Nadiem stated that they were able to support one another, even organising joint iftars (breaking of the fast).
During Eid, he hopes his family will be able to visit the detention facility to celebrate the holiday together.
“This is my first Eid separated from my family,” he remarked.
In the alleged corruption case concerning the education digitalisation programme involving procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) within the Ministry of Education for 2019–2022, Nadiem is accused of committing corruption causing state financial losses valued at Rp2.18 trillion.
The corruption allegedly occurred through the implementation of procurement of technology-based learning equipment in the form of Chromebook laptops and CDM in the budget years 2020, 2021, and 2022 in non-compliance with procurement planning and procurement principles.
Nadiem’s actions are alleged to have been committed jointly with three other defendants in separate proceedings, namely Ibam, Mulyatsyah, and Sri Wahyuningsih, as well as Jurist Tan, who remains at large.
Specifically, the state losses cited include Rp1.56 trillion related to the education digitalisation programme at the ministry, and the equivalent of 44.05 million United States dollars or approximately Rp621.39 billion resulting from procurement of CDM that was unnecessary and of no benefit to the education digitalisation programme.
Through these actions, Nadiem is alleged to have received funds totalling Rp809.59 billion originating from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) through PT Gojek Indonesia.
It is noted that the majority of PT AKAB’s funding sources derived from Google investment valued at 786.99 million US dollars.
This can be observed from Nadiem’s assets recorded in his annual wealth statement in 2022, which showed acquisition of securities valued at Rp5.59 trillion.
For his actions, the former education minister faces potential penalties under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 regarding the Eradication of Corruption Offences as amended and supplemented by Law Number 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) subsection 1 of the Criminal Code.