Verdict: Nadiem Makarim Sentenced to 10 Years for Corruption

An Indonesian court has sentenced Nadiem Makarim, former education minister and co-founder of super-app Gojek, to 10 years in prison.

He was found guilty of corruption in a school laptop procurement deal, which prosecutors say caused $125 million in state losses. Makarim pleaded not guilty.

Allegations

Prosecutors alleged that from 2021 to 2022, Makarim manipulated the procurement of Chromebook laptops for schools by favoring Google, a Gojek investor.

They claimed he tailored tender specifications to fit Google's Chrome system, aiming to make Google the sole controller of Indonesia's education ecosystem, and personally gained about $46.3 million.

Defense

Makarim argued that the Chromebook purchase reduced costs for the government and denied any connection between Google's investment in Gojek and the procurement.

“I sacrificed a lot to serve in government, and the reward I received was iron bars.”

Background

Makarim left Gojek in 2019 to join President Joko Widodo's administration and served as education minister until 2024. Critics claim the case lacks evidence and targets political opponents.

Public Reaction

Supporters, including Gojek drivers, gathered outside the Jakarta courthouse, displaying banners with messages like "We are with Nadiem" and "Free Nadiem."

Some booed as the verdict was read.

Makarim’s mother-in-law described the past 10 months as difficult for the family.