Prosecutor Seeks 18-Year Sentence for Nadiem, Citing Irrefutable Electronic Evidence

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Prosecutor Roy Riady stated that the charges against former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, were based on evidence and facts presented during the trial, not on opinions or perceptions.

Roy said that the entire structure of the charges was systematically compiled, starting from the indictment, witness testimony, expert opinions, electronic evidence, to audit documents and forensic analysis of mobile phones.

“People can lie, but electronic evidence cannot lie,” Roy said after the sentencing hearing on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).

He said that each legal fact must be supported by at least two pieces of evidence, whether in the form of witness testimony, documents, physical evidence, or expert opinions.

Roy also mentioned the alleged direct involvement of Nadiem in the use of the Chrome OS operating system in the Chromebook procurement project. He said there was documentary evidence and witness testimony regarding the directive to use Chromebooks.

“On May 6, Mr. Nadiem said, ‘Go ahead with Chromebook’,” Roy said.

Roy emphasized that the Minister of Education has constitutional responsibility in managing the national education program.

“The Minister has the authority to make policies, supervisory policies, and also conduct evaluations. In the context of national procurement, the minister is responsible,” he said.

He said that several parties outside the official structure of the ministry were involved in the discussion of the Chromebook project.

“This is dangerous, this is a shadow government,” he said.

In addition, he said that there was a conflict of interest related to the business relationship between a company affiliated with Nadiem and Google’s investment.