Former Indonesian Minister Nadiem Makarim Resumes Corruption Trial Despite Illness
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Nadiem Anwar Makarim, a former Indonesian Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology under President Joko Widodo, returned to court on Monday, May 11, for his corruption trial involving the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management (CDM). The courtroom was filled with his supporters, including ride-hailing drivers and academics like Rocky Gerung, who greeted him warmly.
As Makarim entered the room at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, he was welcomed with applause from his supporters. Chief Judge Purwanto S. Abdullah asked about Makarim’s health and surgery plans. Makarim revealed he was to undergo surgery the following Wednesday.
“I received painkillers from the doctor at RS Abdi Waluyo, so I can attend today’s hearing directly. Insha’Allah, I will do my best to complete the hearing today, even if it’s long. I will do my best, Your Honor. So, I’m ready for today’s hearing.”
Makarim’s previous hearing, scheduled for Thursday, May 7, had to be postponed due to health concerns. His health had been discussed between his lawyers and the Public Prosecutor (JPU). Makarim is accused of corruption that caused a loss of Rp2,18 trillion to the state, involving the procurement of Chromebooks and CDM for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology from 2019 to 2022.
“The corruption is alleged to have been committed by implementing the procurement of learning equipment based on information and communication technology, such as laptop Chromebooks and CDM in the 2020, 2021, and 2022 budgets, which did not comply with the procurement plan and principles. This was done together with other defendants in separate trials, namely Ibrahim Arief, Mulyatsyah, Sri Wahyuningsih, and Jurist Tan, who is still at large.”
The state’s losses include Rp1,56 trillion related to the digitalization program in Kemendikbudristek and USD 44,05 million (Rp621,39 billion) due to unnecessary and unbeneficial CDM procurement. Makarim is suspected of receiving Rp809,59 billion from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) through PT Gojek Indonesia. Most of PT AKAB’s funds are said to come from Google’s investment of USD 786,99 million. (ryn/isn)
Did You Know?
Did You Know? Makarim co-founded the ride-hailing company Gojek, which later merged with Tokopedia to form GoTo Group, one of Southeast Asia’s largest tech companies.
Expert Insight:
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes, “This trial highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement, especially for large-scale tech projects. The alleged corruption not only impacts public trust but also has significant financial implications for the government.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Nadiem Makarim accused of? Makarim is accused of corruption involving the procurement of Chromebooks and CDM for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which led to a loss of Rp2,18 trillion to the state.
- Who are the other defendants in this case? The other defendants are Ibrahim Arief, Mulyatsyah, Sri Wahyuningsih, and Jurist Tan, who is currently at large.
- How much is Makarim suspected of receiving? Makarim is suspected of receiving Rp809,59 billion from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB) through PT Gojek Indonesia.
What could be the next steps in this trial?
The trial is ongoing, and the next steps depend on the court’s decisions and the prosecution’s evidence. Makarim’s health may also play a role in scheduling future hearings.
