Nadiem Wears First-Generation Gojek Driver Jacket Ahead of Plea Hearing

The defendant in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Google Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM), Nadiem Makarim, appeared differently when entering the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (2/6/2026). Nadiem wore a green online taxi (ojol) jacket that drew significant public attention.

The former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology was met with applause and cheers of support from sympathisers filling the courtroom. Nadiem entered the court accompanied by his wife, Franka Franklin Makarim.

Several family members, relatives, and Nadiem’s former colleagues from Gojek were present in the courtroom. Notable public figures, including Jajang C. Noer and Christine Hakim, were also seen providing direct support.

The green jacket worn by Nadiem is not an ordinary piece of apparel; it is a first-generation jacket belonging to Mulyono, the very first Gojek driver with identification number 001. Nadiem revealed that Mulyono personally placed the jacket on him just before he entered the courtroom.

“This is Mr. Mul’s jacket, Gojek 001. He put it on me as I entered; it is truly a point of pride,” Nadiem told reporters. He explained that the jacket is quite rare, as it was only used by the earliest generation of Gojek drivers and is no longer in production.

“This is a first-generation jacket. I designed it myself back then because I couldn’t afford to hire a designer, so the design is a bit worn and simple,” the Gojek founder added with a slight smile. He reminisced about the early days of establishing Gojek, a time before the company had an application, investors, or proper offices.

According to Nadiem, the jacket holds immense historical and emotional value, symbolising the initial struggles of the drivers and the small Gojek team during the company’s infancy. He noted that the support from Mulyono and other drivers represents the loyalty of partners who have remained with Gojek since its inception.

In related developments, the trial continues amidst allegations of corruption in the Chromebook procurement project. Some witnesses from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology have testified regarding the receipt of funds, a fact which Nadiem stated surprised him.