Verdict hearing for Nadiem Makarim corruption case scheduled for next week
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The verdict reading for the alleged Chromebook corruption case, which implicates the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology for the 2019–2024 period, Nadiem Anwar Makarim as the defendant, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (30/6).
Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah stated that the panel of judges had originally intended to read the verdict on Thursday (25/6), but due to health issues, more time is required to deliberate on the sentence.
“Following this, we will deliberate. The defendant is required to attend the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June 2026,” the Chief Judge said during the rebuttal session at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday.
The Chief Judge noted that all arguments, evidence, and opinions have been openly heard by all parties during the trial. Consequently, it is now time for the panel of judges, with clarity and conviction, to deliberate on the verdict and deliver justice through the reading of the decision.
Nadiem is one of the defendants in the alleged corruption case involving the education digitalisation programme, specifically the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management (CDM) within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) between 2019 and 2022.
Previously, he faced a prosecution demand of 18 years in prison, a fine of Rp1 billion (subsidised by 190 days in prison), and restitution of Rp5.67 trillion (subsidised by 9 years in prison).
The corruption allegedly involved the procurement of information and communication technology-based learning tools, namely Chromebook laptops and CDM for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 fiscal years, which did not comply with procurement planning and principles.
The founder of one of the technology companies is alleged to have acted in concert with three other defendants in separate trials, namely Ibrahim Arief (alias Ibam), Mulyatsim, and Sri Wahyuningsih, as well as Jurist Tan, who remains a fugitive.
In detail, the state losses include Rp1.56 trillion related to the education digitalisation programme at Kemendikbudristek, as well as 44.05 million US dollars (equivalent to approximately Rp621.39 billion) due to the procurement of CDM that was deemed unnecessary and non-beneficial to the programme.
Through these actions, Nadiem is alleged to have received funds amounting to Rp809.59 billion from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) via PT Gojek Indonesia. It was noted that a significant portion of PT AKAB’s funds originated from a Google investment worth 786.99 million US dollars.
This is reflected in Nadiem’s wealth as recorded in the State Officials’ Wealth Report (LHKPN) for 2022, which showed securities valued at Rp5.59 trillion.
For his actions, the former Minister faces criminal charges under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) ke-1 of the Criminal Code.