Court denies Ex-Minister Nadiem Makarim‘s Pretrial Motion in Chromebook Procurement Case
Jakarta, Indonesia – A court in Jakarta rejected on October 15, 2025, a pretrial motion filed by former Education and Culture Minister nadiem anwar Makarim, clearing the way for his trial to proceed on charges related to alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebooks for schools. The decision, delivered today, confirms investigators had sufficient evidence to name Makarim a suspect, according to the presiding judge.
The ruling centers on allegations of irregularities in a 2023 procurement project valued at billions of rupiah. Makarim, who served as minister from 2019 to 2024, had argued the investigation was flawed and his detention unlawful. The court’s rejection signifies the case will move forward, possibly leading to a full trial and, if convicted, meaningful penalties for the former minister. This case is being closely watched as a test of the Indonesian government’s commitment to combating corruption within its ranks.
the judge stated the decision to name Makarim a suspect was based on “at least two valid pieces of evidence” as required by Article 184 of the Criminal law Procedure Code (KUHAP). This means investigators demonstrated sufficient grounds to exercise their authority to detain the former minister.
Makarim’s legal team had contended the investigation lacked a strong evidentiary basis. However, the court found the evidence presented by investigators met the legal threshold for proceeding with the case. The specifics of the evidence have not been publicly disclosed.
Following the ruling, Makarim remains a suspect and is expected to face formal charges. The next stage will involve the public prosecutor’s office presenting its case in court, outlining the alleged offenses and supporting evidence.A trial date has not yet been set.
