Nadiem's Trial Becomes Chaotic Due to Verbal Clash Between Prosecutor and Defence Lawyers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The continuation of the alleged corruption trial regarding the procurement of Chromebook laptops for defendant and former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim became chaotic when the Public Prosecutor (JPU) and the legal advisory team exchanged words and raised their voices from their respective seats.

This occurred while former Chairman of the Financial Audit Agency (BPK) Agung Firman Sampurna was answering questions from the legal advisory team.

According to the JPU, the expert should only explain the relationship between state losses and the deviant actions committed, not mention individuals.

“I ask for consistency only. The expert should also be consistent in giving answers, do not enter into areas that are not your domain,” said one of the JPU during the trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Wednesday (6/5/2026).

Agung emphasised that from the start of the trial, he had provided testimony according to his expertise. He asked the JPU to respect him, considering he had previously assisted the prosecution significantly.

“I am quite knowledgeable in that field, Your Honours. And it is proven that I helped the Prosecution before, my assistance was quite substantial. Please respect me as well,” said Agung.

Hearing this statement, the JPU who had asked the question immediately reacted, “Mr Expert, who is not respecting you?”

“Your attitude! The way you speak is improper,” shouted Ari Yusuf.

The JPU did not accept Ari’s statement and retorted to Nadiem’s team, “You are the one who is impolite.”

The courtroom situation began to become unconducive as the legal advisory team and the JPU exchanged accusations in high tones.

“You should be polite, we are speaking properly, if it’s about shouting, we can shout too,” shouted Ari Yusuf.

When Ari and one of the JPU were arguing, their colleagues on either side tried to intervene and calm them down, including the panel of judges who continuously asked the JPU and the advocates to stop debating.