Nadiem Makarim Delivers Plea, Admits Imperfections but Denies Chromebook Corruption
The former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) for the 2019–2024 period, Nadiem Makarim, delivered his defence statement (pleidoi) during a trial at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (2/6/2026). In his defence, Nadiem admitted that he was not a perfect leader during his tenure.
“I became a minister at the age of 35 without experience in education, bureaucracy, or politics,” Nadiem told the panel of judges. He reflected on his transition from the private sector to the government, noting that while data-driven decision-making and honesty are valued in the professional world, directness in the bureaucracy is often misinterpreted as arrogance, and decisions are frequently influenced by political considerations.
He admitted that his strategy of bringing young professionals into the bureaucracy to increase effectiveness triggered significant internal friction. “Many people’s livelihoods were threatened, and many were offended because they felt undervalued,” the Gojek founder stated.
Regarding the corruption allegations involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops, Nadiem asserted that the programme was implemented with due diligence and based on actual field requirements, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when teachers and students desperately needed ICT facilities. He expressed dismay at the allegations claiming the programme was useless, arguing instead that the Chromebook initiative actually saved the state budget and had a positive impact on millions of educators across Indonesia.
The Public Prosecutor (JPU) has charged Nadiem with corruption in the procurement of ICT-based learning tools, specifically Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) for the 2020–2022 fiscal years. Nadiem is alleged to have received funds amounting to IDR 809.59 billion from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) via PT Gojek Indonesia.
In the Chromebook corruption case, Nadiem is charged alongside three others—Ibrahim Arief (alias Ibam), Mulyatsyah, and Sri Wahyuningsih—as well as one fugitive, Jurist Tan. If convicted, Nadiem faces imprisonment under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes.
Nadiem’s legal team’s defence spans approximately 1,334 pages, while Nadiem’s personal defence consists of 16 pages. He expressed regret for his lack of political etiquette and dismissed the accusations of being a ‘white-collar criminal,’ suggesting that the case is part of a pattern of criminalisation, similar to the case involving Tom Lembong. Nadiem, who appeared in an ‘ojol’ (ride-hailing driver) jacket during the proceedings, faces a prison sentence of 18 years.