Gojek co-founder accused of steering US$125m laptop deal to benefit himself and Google-linked ecosystem.
Indonesian prosecutors are seeking an 18-year jail term for former education minister and Gojek co‑founder Nadiem Makarim, alleging he designed a pandemic-era Chromebook procurement scheme that caused huge state losses and enriched himself.
Toughest Sentence Sought In Years
Prosecutors told a Central Jakarta corruption court on May 13 that they are seeking 18 years’ imprisonment for Nadiem Makarim, calling it one of the toughest punishments requested for a former minister in recent times. They argued his conduct betrayed government anti-corruption pledges and damaged Indonesia’s education system during a critical period.
Alleged Enrichment And Tender Design
Nadiem, who left his role as Gojek CEO in 2019 to become education minister until 2024, is accused of unlawfully enriching himself by about 809 billion rupiah (approx. S$58.9 million) through Chromebook laptop and Chrome OS procurement for schools between 2020 and 2022. Prosecutors allege he crafted tender specifications that only the Chrome system could meet, effectively making Google “the sole controller of the education ecosystem” in Indonesia.
Suitability Concerns And Google Meetings
Prosecutors said the ministry had already determined in 2018 that Chromebooks would require reliable internet, making them unsuitable for many Indonesian regions with poor connectivity, yet still went ahead with large purchases after Nadiem allegedly met representatives from Google Asia Pacific and Google Indonesia several times in 2020. They say this ignored known implementation risks in remote areas.
Detention, Co-Accused And Defence
Nadiem was detained in September along with several senior officials from the Education Ministry. The court has already sentenced three linked officials, including a technology consultant, to up to four and a half years’ jail. His lawyer, Ari Yusuf Amir, said Nadiem denies wrongdoing, expressed disappointment that prosecutors “ignored new evidence” presented in court, and expects a verdict in June.
Investor Confidence And Broader Implications
In an interview with Tech in Asia last month, Nadiem warned that his prosecution could “be quite devastating” for foreign investor sentiment in Indonesia, particularly in the tech and education sectors. The case is being closely watched as a test of Indonesia’s resolve to pursue high-profile graft, even when it involves globally known figures and foreign corporate partners.
The demand for an 18-year sentence against Nadiem Makarim over the Chromebook procurement scheme underscores how seriously Indonesian prosecutors are treating alleged corruption at the top of the education system. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the outcome will shape perceptions of Indonesia’s governance, its investment climate and its ability to ensure that technology and reform in schools serve students rather than private interests.
Sources: Asia One (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: Chromebook Procurement, US$125 Million State Losses, Google Asia Pacific, Anti Corruption Pledges, Jakarta Corruption Court
