Prosecutors Demand 18 Years, Nadiem Expresses Disappointment: Why More Than for Murderers-Terrorists?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, expressed his disappointment after being demanded an 18-year prison sentence and restitution money in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops.

In an interview after the trial, Nadiem described the prosecutors’ demand against him as extremely disappointing and unreasonable.

“This is a very, very, very disappointing day. Perhaps there are no words that can explain my feelings,” said Nadiem.

He also highlighted the magnitude of the demand he received compared to other criminal cases.

Nadiem questioned the reason why the demand against him is said to be heavier than for other serious criminals.

“So, I’m confused. Why? Why is my demand greater than for murderers? My demand is greater than for terrorists?” he said.

According to Nadiem, the course of the trial actually shows that he is not guilty.

“Well, this is perhaps because in the flow of this trial, it is already clear and obvious that I am not guilty,” he stated.

He also admitted to being hurt by the inclusion of a restitution demand amounting to trillions of rupiah.

“And what hurts my heart more, and this is something I don’t understand because I have dedicated myself for 9-10 years to this country, that there is restitution money,” said Nadiem.

“So, it’s not enough to put me in prison, they are using restitution of Rp 4 trillion plus Rp 809 billion, so a total of Rp 5 trillion,” he added.

Nadiem emphasised that he does not have the amount of money demanded.

“And they know I don’t have that money,” he said.