Nadiem Hopes Family Will Visit Him in Detention Centre During Eid This Year
Former Education, Culture and Technology Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim will celebrate Eid for the first time in detention. He expressed sadness at being separated from his family during this year’s celebration.
Nadiem is a defendant in a corruption case relating to the procurement of Chromebook laptops. In this matter, he is accused of committing corruption whilst serving as Education, Culture and Technology Minister.
The project allegedly caused state losses of Rp 2.1 trillion. Nadiem has also filed an exception, but the judge rejected it and requested that proceedings continue to the evidentiary phase.
Nadiem Hopes Family Will Visit
Nadiem expressed hope that his family could visit him in the detention centre during Eid. He stated this would be his first Eid separated from his family.
“My hope is that my family can visit me on Eid, since this is the first Eid where I’m separated from my family. So it’s quite sad,” said Nadiem Makarim before the hearing at the Jakarta Central Corruption Court on Monday (9 March 2026).
Fasting in Detention
Nadiem expressed gratitude that he was still able to observe the Ramadan fast. He stated that he is currently undergoing medical treatment for his health recovery.
“Well, praise be to God, although I’m still undergoing treatment due to medical conditions, I’m still able to fast, along with my fellow detainees in the centre,” said Nadiem.
Nadiem also expressed sadness at observing the holy month of Ramadan in detention and being separated from his children. He said he still experienced the atmosphere of breaking the fast together with fellow detainees in the detention centre.
“So we support each other, at least there’s the atmosphere of breaking fast together. So thank God, but it’s very sad that I can’t be with my family, with my children. That’s what is very saddening for me,” he said.
Previously Requested Suspension of Detention
Nadiem previously submitted a request for suspension of detention on Monday (23 February 2026). The request was submitted on health grounds.
Nadiem Makarim’s request for suspension of detention was submitted to the bench of judges at the Jakarta Central Corruption Court. The request was submitted by Nadiem’s lawyer, Zaid Mushafi.
The reason for Nadiem’s request for suspension of detention was health concerns. The chief judge of the bench, Purwanto S Abdullah, stated that the bench would deliberate and consider the request.
“This is a request to the bench of judges for a change in detention type and/or suspension of detention. The primary reason is health. Regarding this request, the bench of judges will respond and deliberate on it,” said chief judge Purwanto S Abdullah.