Full Breakdown
Indonesia Sentences Gojek Co-Founder Nadiem Makarim to 10 Years for Chromebook Procurement Abuse
6/30/2026, 9:47:38 PM
Court Verdict and Sentencing
On 30 June 2026 Jakarta’s Corruption Court sentenced former education minister and Gojek co-founder Nadiem Makarim to ten years’ imprisonment for abuse of authority linked to a government Chromebook procurement programme. He was also fined 1 billion rupiah and ordered to repay 809 billion rupiah (? $45 million); failure to pay triggers an additional five-year term and a 190-day substitute sentence for the fine. The panel, led by Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah, acquitted him of personal enrichment but affirmed that his actions caused state losses.
Background: Digital-Education Programme and Procurement
The Ministry of Education launched a digital-learning drive during the COVID-19 pandemic, planning to equip schools with Chromebooks running Google’s ChromeOS. A 2018 ministry assessment warned that such devices required reliable internet, which many remote Indonesian regions lack. Despite the warning, the ministry proceeded after Makarim met Google Indonesia representatives in February 2020 and issued technical specifications that only ChromeOS-compatible devices could meet.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
- Nadiem Makarim – co-founder of Gojek (2010), education minister 2019-2024.
- Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah – presiding judge of the anti-corruption panel.
- Google – provider of Chromebooks; denied any inducements or wrongdoing.
- Prosecutors – led by Public Prosecutor Roy Riady, alleging conflict of interest with Google’s investment in Gojek’s parent company GoTo.
- Supporters – Gojek drivers, family members, and civil-society observers who gathered outside the courthouse.
Timeline of the Case
- 2018 – Ministry study deems Chromebooks unsuitable for many “3T” (remote) areas.
- Feb 2020 – Makarim meets Google officials; procurement specifications are revised.
- 2020-2022 – Approximately 1.1-1.6 million Chromebooks purchased.
- Sept 2025 – Attorney General names Makarim a suspect.
- Jan 2026 – Trial begins.
- 30 Jun 2026 – Verdict delivered.
Data and Financial Figures
- Units procured: 1.1-1.6 million Chromebooks.
- Unit price alleged: 3 million rupiah (expected) vs ? 6 million rupiah (actual).
- State loss estimates: $120-$125 million; 1.5-2.18 trillion rupiah; 2.1 trillion rupiah (varying across sources).
- Restitution: 809 billion rupiah.
Official Statements and Institutional Responses
The court held that Makarim “consciously directed the Chromebook policy” and that the procurement “abused his ministerial authority.” Google issued a statement that its investments in Gojek-related entities occurred before Makarim’s appointment and that it “never offered, promised or provided any benefits to Ministry of Education officials.” Prosecutors argued the tender design “made Google the sole controller of the education ecosystem.”
Criticism, Opposition, and Academic Commentary
Legal scholar Tim Lindsey warned that the charges “expand the notion of corruption” by conflating inefficiency with graft, potentially harming Indonesia’s investment climate. British entrepreneur Richard Branson described the case as “trumped-up” and urged celebration of Makarim’s achievements. Several Indonesian lawyers and rights activists labeled the prosecution “politically motivated,” citing reforms Makarim introduced that disrupted entrenched patronage networks.
Public Reaction and On-the-Ground Reports
Dozens of Gojek drivers and supporters gathered outside the courthouse with banners reading “We are with Nadiem” and “Free Nadiem.” Witnesses reported Makarim crying as the verdict was read, while some observers shouted “Unfair!” and sang “Free Nadiem now!”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on the magnitude of alleged losses (ranging from $120 million to $125 million and from 1.5 trillion to 2.18 trillion rupiah). The number of Chromebooks procured is reported as 1.1 million, 1.6 million, and a total cost of 9.9 trillion rupiah. While the court found no personal enrichment, prosecutors claimed Makarim benefited from ? 809 billion rupiah in transactions involving Gojek’s holding company; the evidence for this claim remains contested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do not know whom I should ask for help, or where I can seek justice. My only hope is in the Indonesian people, in those who still believe that truth still exists in this country.” — Nadiem Makarim
- “The judges couldn’t even look me in the eye,” — Nadiem Makarim
- “There seems to be a vengeance against me to make sure I do not go free,” — Nadiem Makarim
- “It's as if the facts of the case were completely ignored.” — Nadiem Makarim
- “He's not alone, there are a lot of drivers who stand behind him,” — Agus Subianto, Gojek driver
What’s Next: Appeal and Broader Implications
Makarim announced he will file an immediate appeal, citing “the truth” and “the young professionals” he wishes to protect. Analysts note that the verdict may depress the rupiah, trigger a possible MSCI downgrade, and intensify scrutiny of Indonesia’s anti-corruption institutions and foreign-investment climate. The appeal will determine whether the conviction stands and how future public-procurement reforms are shaped.
