Tearfully Pleading for Release, Ibrahim Arief: I Was Forced to Become a Suspect

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former technology consultant for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Ibrahim Arief, has requested that the panel of judges acquit him from the 15-year prison demand in the alleged corruption case concerning the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops.

“I hope the honourable panel of judges can rule me not guilty and restore my dignity and honour after all this time I have struggled to clear my name,” Ibrahim stated while reading his personal plea in the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday (23/4/2026).

Ibam, as he is affectionately known, repeatedly broke down in tears while reading his personal defence note or plea.

“I am not guilty. I was arrested and forced to become a suspect from various allegations without evidence that ultimately proved unfounded,” Ibam said, his eyes welling up with tears.

He claimed he never instructed the selection of Chromebooks in the ministry’s procurement.

The study he prepared was merely a recommendation that still needed to be determined by the ministry’s side.

Ibam also addressed the demand for restitution of Rp 16.9 billion.

“Now, in the face of a 22.5-year prison demand and efforts to impoverish my family, I dare to state loudly that yes, this is criminalisation. Criminalisation against me and all professionals who wish to help the state,” Ibam said.

Ibam stated that during the past 11 months of following the legal process, he has continuously wondered.

“Without evidence of my input due to a conflict of interest, I return to my initial question, Your Honour, what is my sin against Indonesia?” Ibam said.

He rejected a salary of hundreds of millions and various facilities in order to serve the state, but now Ibam has become one of the defendants accused of corruption.

“I consider all this as an additional price I must pay for the sacrifices I and my family have made for the state so far,” he continued.