Nadiem says he never directed Chromebook usage; Google's funding described as CSR programme
Jakarta — The continued trial of the alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has revealed witness statements regarding the process of procuring information and communications technology (ICT) devices.
In the hearing held on Thursday, 5 March 2026, several witnesses stated that there was no directive from former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim to mandate the use of Chromebooks in the procurement programme. In addition, Google’s funding scheme was described as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
Former Special Assistant to the Minister for Strategic Issues, Fiona Handayani, in her testimony, said that before Nadiem took office, there was no discussion in the core team WhatsApp group about ICT procurement or Chromebooks.
‘There was absolutely no discussion about ICT procurement or Chromebooks in the WA Group Core Team before Nadiem became Minister,’ Fiona said, quoted on Saturday, 7 March 2026.
Similar testimony was given by Ibrahim Arief alias Ibam, a former independent consultant at the Directorate General of Higher Education. He explained that in the early stage, the technical team only explored various hardware options for school needs.
‘I was asked to conduct exploration related to hardware for schools. My presentation title was ’tech hardware for schools’, not ‘Chromebook for schools’. In the early pages the focus was on Linux-based laptops,’ he said.
He also noted that in the discussion of an executive summary on device options, Nadiem questioned why there was a mix of Windows-based devices and Chromebooks in the proposal.
‘Yes, Mr Minister asked why there is a mix of Windows and Chromebooks. Why not all Windows?’ Ibrahim said.
In his testimony, Nadiem said his involvement in Chromebook discussions occurred in a single meeting on 6 May 2020. In that meeting, they discussed options for device allocation, including the possibility of a mix of 14 Chromebooks and one Windows laptop for each school.
According to him, the technical decisions regarding the composition of the procurement were made by the technical teams at the directorate and director-general levels. He also admitted that he reminded the department of the need to consider Windows laptops if Chromebooks were limited on the market.