Education Ministry Probe Targets Chromebook Procurement

Former Minister Nadiem Makarim Implicated in Laptop Deal Investigation

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has revealed the central role of former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, **Nadiem Anwar Makarim (NAM)**, in the procurement of Chromebook laptops. The investigation into alleged state losses exceeding 1.98 trillion Rupiah is intensifying.

Accusations of Direct Orders

Director of Investigation for the AGO’s Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, **Abdul Qohar**, stated that **Nadiem Makarim** issued directives to his subordinates concerning the Chromebook acquisition. The plan for these laptops reportedly began before **Nadiem Makarim** officially took office as minister.

According to **Abdul Qohar**, **Nadiem Makarim**’s staffer, **Juris Tan (JS)**, initiated discussions about an educational digitalization program, including the Chromebook procurement, with **Nadiem Makarim** as early as August 2019. This planning group included **Fiona**, another of **Nadiem**’s staff. **Juris Tan** later proceeded to discuss the technical specifications of using Chrome OS for ICT procurement with a Center for Education and Policy Studies (PSPK) team in December 2019.

Meetings with Google Highlighted

The investigation further detailed **Nadiem Makarim**’s direct engagement with Google representatives in February and April 2020. These meetings were to discuss the procurement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using Chromebooks. Following these discussions, **Nadiem** reportedly instructed **Juris Tan** to follow up, including exploring potential “Co-Investment” from Google for the ministry.

“In February and April 2020, NAM met with Google, William and Putra Alam discussed the procurement of ICTs at the Ministry of Education and Culture. Furthermore, JS followed up on NAM’s orders to meet with Google. Then discuss the technical procurement of ICTs at the Ministry of Education and Culture using Chrome OS, of which were also discussed by the Co-Investment as much as 30% of Google for the Ministry of Education and Culture.”

—Abdul Qohar, Director of Investigation, AGO

Subordinates Ordered to Proceed

The AGO claims that **Nadiem Makarim**, during an online meeting on May 6, 2020, explicitly ordered subordinates to proceed with the ICT procurement using Chromebooks for the period of 2020-2022. Attendees at this critical meeting reportedly included individual consultant **Ibrahim Arief (Ibam)**, **Nadiem**’s staffer **Juris Tan (JS)**, Director of Elementary School **Sri Wahyuningsih (SW)**, and SMP Director **Mulyatsyah (Mul)**.

The investigation also revealed that **Ibrahim Arief** initially refused to sign off on technical studies that did not include Chromebooks. This led to a second technical study, commissioned under **Nadiem Makarim**’s alleged directive, which specifically incorporated Chrome OS into the procurement plans.

Four Suspects Named, State Loss Estimated

The AGO has officially named four suspects in connection with the procurement scandal. These individuals are: **Sri Wahyuningsih (SW)**, **Mulyatsyah (Mul)**, **Ibrahim Arief (Ibam)**, and **Juris Tan (JS)**. The alleged financial misconduct has resulted in an estimated state loss of Rp 1.98 trillion.

As of early 2024, Indonesia’s digital literacy rate stood at approximately 45%, highlighting the critical importance of transparent and efficient technology procurement in educational institutions (We Are Social, 2024). This case raises serious questions about the integrity of such initiatives.

**Nadiem Makarim** himself has been questioned by the AGO on two occasions as a witness in the ongoing investigation.