Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim testified at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday, May 11, 2026, denying that he was the decision-maker in a controversial Chromebook procurement project.
During the hearing, the judge questioned Makarim on the contradiction between his stated support for the procurement and his denial of being the party who authorized it. Makarim confirmed to the court that while he strongly agreed with the use and procurement of Chromebooks, he did not make the final decisions.
Administrative Accountability and Decision-Making
When pressed by prosecutors on why officials seemed to be avoiding responsibility for such a large-scale activity, Makarim asserted that decisions were handled at the director-general level. He explained that the Director General issued the Decree (SK), while the Director issued the technical guidelines (juknis).
Makarim argued that within the ministry, the person who signs the official document is the one who makes the decision. He noted that if a Director General or Director signs, they are the decision-makers, and in the case of procurement, the Commitment Making Officer (PPK) who signs the results is the responsible party.
The Role of Ministerial Regulations
The court also examined the relevance of Permendikbud No. 5 of 2021, a ministerial regulation concerning Special Allocation Funds (DAK). Makarim testified that this regulation had no connection to the Chromebook procurement within the ministry’s own internal budget.
He told the judge that the project would have proceeded regardless of whether the DAK regulation was signed or issued, describing the procurement as an internal ministry matter that remained unaffected by that specific regulation.
Case Background and Co-Defendants
Makarim is accused of corruption related to the laptop procurement during his tenure as minister. He is not the only individual facing charges in the case.
Other defendants include Ibrahim Arief (Ibam), a consultant during Makarim’s era, as well as Sri Wahyuningsih, and Mulyatsyah. Sri Wahyuningsih, the former Director of Elementary Schools (2020-2021), has been sentenced to four years in prison, while Mulyatsyah, the former Director of Junior High Schools (2020), received a sentence of 4.5 years.
As the trial continues, the court may evaluate whether the minister’s overarching authority outweighs the specific administrative signatures of his subordinates. The outcome could potentially redefine the boundaries of ministerial responsibility in large-scale government projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Nadiem Makarim claim made the decisions for the Chromebook procurement?
Makarim testified that the decisions were made by the Director General, who issued the Decree (SK), and the Director, who issued the technical guidelines.
What was the alleged financial loss to the state in this case?
The project is cited as having caused state losses of Rp 2.1 trillion.
Which other officials have already been sentenced in this case?
Sri Wahyuningsih (former Director of Elementary Schools) was sentenced to four years, and Mulyatsyah (former Director of Junior High Schools) was sentenced to 4.5 years.
Do you believe high-ranking officials should be held responsible for projects they support, even if they did not sign the final procurement documents?
