Trial witness says Chromebooks rarely used and frequently suffer from poor signal

Jakarta, Kompas.com - Civil Servant (ASN) of Banten Province, Lukman, testified in court that the Chromebook laptops at the centre of the case were rarely used and often suffered from poor signal. Lukman explained a number of problems faced by the schools receiving Chromebook laptops from the 2021-2022 procurement. Lukman and two other civil servants were presented as witnesses in the continuation of the trial of alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops for three defendants. They are: former Technology Consultant within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), Ibrahim Arief; Director of SMP Kemendikbudristek for 2020–2021 and at the same time Budget User (KPA) Mulyatsyah; and, Director of SD Kemendikbudristek for 2020–2021 and at the same time KPA, Sri Wahyuningsih. Public Prosecutor Roy Riady first read Lukman’s witness statement (BAP) which mentioned Chromebook damage. ‘Then here from Banten Province it states, “We do not know where to report if the Chromebooks are damaged.” Is that correct? If it needs to be repaired, where is the place, we do not know? This is (the statement) Mr Lukman?’ said the prosecutor in the Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday (6/3/2026).” Lukman confirmed his statement. He admitted that while he served as the Implementing Officer for Activities (PPTK) for the procurement using Special Allocation Fund (DAK) for the 2021-2022 period, he did not receive information about the rules for submitting service or repair requests. ‘We were not told when there was damage where it should be serviced, sir,’ Lukman said. ‘Was it not brought to Glodok?’ asked the prosecutor Roy. Lukman said that currently the schools do not have a budget to service the laptops. In addition to damage, the Chromebooks could not be used in schools located in blank-spot zones or without signal. Head of Development at the Tangerang Selatan City Education Office, Didin Sihamudin, said there is one school in a blank-spot zone, making it difficult to conduct the minimum competency assessment (AKM) at their school. The school is located on the border between Tangerang Selatan and Tangerang Regency, near the Cisadane river.