Nadiem Makarim's Legal Team Urges Public to Be Objective
Lawyers for Nadiem Makarim stressed that the ruling against Ibrahim Arief, also known as Ibam, in the Chromebook procurement case is not yet final and thus should not be automatically linked to any involvement or wrongdoing by Nadiem Makarim. Ari Yusuf Amir, Nadiem Makarim’s legal counsel, explained that the case against Ibam is ongoing and remains open to further legal remedies, including appeals and cassation. ‘That decision has not become final. Legally, the judicial process is still underway and cannot form the basis for a final conclusion about any party, including Mr Nadiem Makarim,’ he said on Thursday (21 May).
His legal team also highlighted the emergence of several narratives in the public space that could shape one-sided judgments and overlook the presumption of innocence. They argued that, in his capacity as minister, Nadiem Makarim implemented education policies through regulations that were in line with the administrative process. They asserted there is no factual evidence showing malicious intent, personal gain, or illegal acts by their client.
Another lawyer, Dodi S. Abdulkadir, underscored the importance of viewing the trial process objectively and proportionally, avoiding public opinion that could mislead. ‘We will reveal all facts and evidence in the pleidoi so that the case is understood in full, not through fragments of narratives built unilaterally,’ Dodi said.
Furthermore, the legal team argued that the case did not demonstrate any element of state losses directly connected to ministerial policy. They also stated there is no legal nexus between the issuance of regulations and the charges of criminal acts directed personally at Nadiem Makarim. The advisory team urged all parties to respect the ongoing legal process and refrain from forming judgments through public opinion that could mislead enforcement of law.
The Chromebook procurement relates to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. Meanwhile, the verdict against Ibrahim Arief remains in the process and has not become final.
Legal and prosecutorial observers, including Fajar Trio, have noted the appropriateness of the prosecutors' move to press charges against the former minister with layered penalties. The international press, including The New York Times, has highlighted the 18-year prison sentence demand for Nadiem Makarim as a threat to democracy and Indonesia’s young talent.
Nadiem Makarim has been accused of 18 years in prison over the Chromebook case. While expressing disappointment, he says he does not regret serving in government. He argues that the prosecutors' demand reflects a fear that he will not be released, and he has also drawn attention to a demand for replacement money amounting to Rp5 trillion. In addition to the 18-year sentence and a Rp1 billion fine (subsidiary 190 days in prison), prosecutors are seeking a replacement payment of Rp809,597,125,000 and a further Rp1 billion fine (subsidiary 190 days in prison).