Nadiem Makarim

Chromebooks & Cost ⁤Savings: Nadiem Makarim defends 2019-2022 Procurement Amidst Corruption ‌Allegations

Jakarta, ​Indonesia -‍ Indonesia’s Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim, is facing scrutiny over alleged corruption related to the procurement of Chromebooks between 2019 and 2022. However, new details are⁣ emerging regarding the rationale behind choosing Chromebooks over conventional Windows laptops, centering on significant cost differences​ and enhanced security features.

According to Nadiem Makarim’s attorney, ⁣Hotman Paris ⁢Hutapea, the ⁣key factor in the decision was the cost of device management. Chromebook’s Chrome Device Management system is a one-time fee of approximately $30 per laptop. This contrasts sharply with Windows,which requires recurring payments of $200-$300 every three ⁣years.

“When compared to ⁤the price of this device management with Windows, Windows is much more expensive – the price of ‌upkeep if Windows costs $200 ​to $230 per 3 years,” Hutapea explained in a press conference on Monday.”While Google⁣ is onyl a one-time lifetime cost of $30.”

Chrome Device Management is a centralized system allowing IT administrators in schools and businesses to manage Chromebooks, including application installation and policy implementation. Hutapea highlighted ⁤the security benefits,stating the system allows for control over student access to inappropriate content,such ‍as pornography.

Beyond the ‌management system costs, the ‍price of⁤ the laptops themselves saw reductions during the 2021-2022 procurement period, dropping from Rp 6,499,000 to Rp 5,800,000 (approximately $420 to‌ $375 USD at current exchange rates) per unit. These findings are based on an audit conducted‌ by the Indonesian Government’s Financial Audit Board (BPKP),which ​reportedly found no significant issues impacting⁤ the budget determination.

Nadiem Makarim himself previously addressed the Chromebook selection in June, stating the decision followed a thorough ministry study evaluating both ⁢price and specifications. He emphasized that Chromebooks were the more affordable option, offering easily accessible and free systems, alongside the crucial ⁢ability to monitor ‌applications ⁢used by students.

“Beyond that, there are various ⁤functions… to remember that this is for the function of education. Where the ⁣security of our students and teachers is ⁤a priority… and one of the most important things of the study is control of applications that can be in the Chromebook,” Makarim stated.Key Takeaways:

The decision to procure Chromebooks was ‍driven by significant cost savings in⁢ device management compared to Windows laptops.
Chromebooks offer enhanced security features,⁣ allowing schools to monitor and control ‍application access.
‍An audit by the BPKP found no major budgetary concerns related to⁢ the procurement process.
The price ⁢of the Chromebooks themselves decreased during the procurement‍ period.

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