Nadiem Makarim Hopes His Case Will Improve Indonesia's Legal System: 'The Truth Is on My Side'

Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019–2024 period, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, has stated that whatever happens, he is not alone, ahead of the verdict hearing for the alleged Chromebook corruption case. He said he still has his family by his side and is receiving support from various segments of society. “I have the truth on my side and because of that, God will never abandon me. We know that anything can happen today,” Nadiem told reporters before the verdict hearing at the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. He added that although it is difficult to find the words, he is very grateful because during this one-year struggle he has not felt alone. He expressed hope that the truth will prevail today and that justice still exists in this country. However, Nadiem said he does not want to be naive, as the judges’ ruling might not be based on the facts presented during the trial. He believes there is a greater wisdom behind the case he is experiencing, as he represents not only himself and his family but also every honest person who has been and will be criminalised. The former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology hopes his case can serve as a catalyst for change or momentum for improvements in Indonesia’s legal system, including in the prosecution, evidentiary, and verdict processes. “So that this does not happen again in the country we love,” he said. Nadiem stated he has never regretted his decision to serve the country and does not want young people to be afraid of serving the nation following the Chromebook corruption case. He instead wants his case to be a golden opportunity for Indonesia to become better, to give hope to the younger generation, and to provide hope for legal certainty so that all parties feel safe in serving the country. Nadiem Makarim is a defendant in the alleged corruption case involving the digitalisation of education programme through the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019-2022 period. He was previously sentenced to 18 years in prison, a fine of Rp1 billion, subsidiary to 190 days of imprisonment, and restitution of Rp5.67 trillion, subsidiary to 9 years of imprisonment.