An Indonesian court is set to deliver its verdict on Tuesday in the high-profile corruption trial of former education minister and Gojek co-founder Nadiem Makarim, a case that has drawn widespread international attention and sparked debate over the country’s legal system.
Prosecutors allege that the 41-year-old abused his authority during the COVID-19 pandemic by manipulating the procurement of laptops for schools, resulting in an estimated US$125 million (approximately RM530 million) in losses to the Indonesian government.
They are seeking an 18-year prison sentence and have asked the court to impose fines and restitution totalling 5.6 trillion rupiah, equivalent to about RM1.3 billion.
If convicted, Makarim would become one of the highest-profile former Indonesian ministers to be sentenced on corruption charges.
Makarim, who was arrested in September, said in a LinkedIn post published by his legal team last week that the legal proceedings had turned into a nightmare that had lasted more than nine months.
Before entering politics, Makarim served as chief executive of ride-hailing and technology company Gojek. He stepped down in 2019 to become Indonesia’s education minister, a position he held until 2024.
The prosecution alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Makarim personally benefited by around 809 billion rupiah (approximately RM192 million) through the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome OS software for schools.
Prosecutors further claim he designed tender specifications that effectively favoured Google’s Chrome ecosystem, making it the dominant platform within Indonesia’s education sector. They also argued that Google’s investment in Gojek’s parent company influenced the procurement process.
Google has not been charged in connection with the case.
Makarim has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Google’s investment in Gojek had no connection to the laptop procurement programme.
Earlier this year, Google stated that its investments in Gojek-related entities took place between 2017 and 2021, with most occurring before Makarim assumed office as education minister.
The case has also prompted concern among legal experts.
Tim Lindsey, a law professor at the University of Melbourne and a specialist in Indonesia’s legal system, questioned the broad interpretation of corruption laws used in the prosecution.
He argued that the charges appeared to blur the distinction between corruption and administrative inefficiency or policy decisions involving risk, warning that such an approach could damage Indonesia’s legal credibility and investor confidence.
International figures have also spoken out in support of Makarim.
British billionaire Richard Branson described the prosecution as politically motivated in a LinkedIn post, saying Makarim should be recognised for his achievements rather than face what he called unfounded charges.
Speaking to Reuters earlier this month, Makarim maintained his innocence and said the case sends a worrying message to young professionals, public servants, procurement officers and investors.
He also confirmed that he would appeal if found guilty, adding that he is prepared for the worst possible outcome.
