Arabic version: وزير التعليم الإندونيسي السابق يُحكم عليه بالسجن لمدة عشر سنوات بتهمة الفساد

Nadiem Makarim, a prominent tech entrepreneur and former education minister in Indonesia, has been sentenced to 10 years’ jail for corruption related to the procurement of Google Chromebooks for schools. The ruling was made by Indonesia’s Corruption Court, where Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah stated that Makarim was guilty of abuse of authority and causing state losses. However, he was acquitted of charges of self-enrichment.

According to ABC News, Makarim’s legal team plans to appeal the decision. Legal experts have expressed concerns that the prosecution lacked conclusive evidence against him, with one dissenting judge calling for his acquittal, arguing there was no proof of malicious intent or conflict of interest.

Makarim, who co-founded the ride-hailing company Gojek, was accused of profiting from the government’s decision to purchase Chromebooks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors claimed that the procurement decision was influenced by Google’s investment in Gojek’s parent company. Google, however, denied any wrongdoing, stating that its investments predated Makarim’s appointment as minister.

In addition to his prison sentence, Makarim has been fined 1 billion rupiah (approximately $81,000) and ordered to repay over 800 billion rupiah (around $65 million) that the court claimed he gained from the deal. Failure to return the money could lead to an additional five years in prison.

Supporters of Makarim, including Gojek drivers and academics, have rallied behind him, suggesting that the case may be politically motivated. Concerns have been raised that the verdict could deter future innovation and public service contributions in Indonesia. Makarim himself expressed disbelief at the ruling, emphasizing that he did not enrich himself and calling on the Indonesian people for support as he seeks justice through an appeal.