Nadiem Makarim Named Suspect in IDR 1.98 Trillion Chromebook Procurement Case
Jakarta, indonesia – Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim has been officially named a suspect by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops for an educational digitalization program, valued at IDR 1.98 trillion (approximately $125 million USD). Despite not allegedly receiving any personal financial gain,Makarim is implicated in the case,prompting debate over the legal complexities surrounding state losses and policy context.
Legal expert Albert Hasibuan emphasized that a trial will be crucial to determine whether state losses actually occurred and,if so,the extent of those losses. He further explained that even if all elements of a corruption offense appear to be met, a conviction isn’t guaranteed if the procurement ultimately benefited the public. “If in the chromebook procurement the state is actually not disadvantaged, for example it can be proven that the Chromebook operating system actually saves the budget as there is no need for additional licenses, and tens of thousands of recipient schools have been served and feel the benefits, then even though the entire formulation of the Corruption Delik is fulfilled, the relevant [party] cannot be convicted,” Hasibuan stated.the case centers around the 2019-2024 procurement process. The AGO must demonstrate clear evidence of corruption, and the public is urged to respect the ongoing legal process and uphold the principle of presumption of innocence, according to Hasibuan.
The naming of Makarim as a suspect has sparked public discussion, with lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea offering to present evidence to prove Makarim’s innocence directly to Prabowo Subianto, now Minister of Defense, and the AGO. The Presidential Palace has responded to Hotman Paris’ offer, acknowledging the situation.