Full Breakdown
Indonesian Court Cuts Gojek Founder Nadiem Makarim’s Prison Term to Nine Years
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Sentence Reduction in Appeal Hearing
On September 24, an Indonesian high court reduced former education minister and Gojek co-founder Nadiem Makarim’s prison term from ten years to nine years. The decision came during an appeal hearing on the graft conviction tied to the procurement of Google Chromebooks for public schools.
Background & Context: Graft Conviction Over Chromebook Procurement
Makarim was originally sentenced to ten years in June after the court found him guilty of abusing authority by adjusting tender requirements to favor Chrome devices, a move that benefitted Google and limited competition. The procurement scheme resulted in an estimated state loss of $125 million (approximately S$160 million).
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Catur Iriantoro explained that the appeal to dismiss all charges was rejected because the prior ruling aligned with the trial’s facts, evidence, and witness testimony. Judge Subachran Hardi Mulyana announced a reduction in the restitution amount Makarim must pay.
Data & Statistics
- Prison term: reduced from 10 years to 9 years.
- Restitution: cut from 809 billion rupiah (about $45.2 million) to 548 billion rupiah (about $30.7 million).
- State loss from the Chromebook deal: $125 million.
- Exchange rate cited: 1 USD = 17,888 rupiah.
What’s Next
Makarim plans to submit a further appeal to Indonesia’s Supreme Court, seeking a reversal of both the conviction and the restitution order. The timing of that filing has not been disclosed.