Nadiem Makarim Charged Over Chromebook Case as Supporters Pack First Hearing

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Nadiem Anwar Makarim is charged on Monday, Jan 5, 2026 in Jakarta with receiving Rp 809.59 billion in connection with an alleged corruption scheme tied to the procurement of Chromebook laptops for Indonesia’s education digitalization program, a case prosecutors say caused massive state losses and entrenched a single technology ecosystem in schools. The indictment was read at the Jakarta Corruption Court as public figures and ride hailing drivers gathered to show support during his first hearing.

State prosecutors alleged that the funds were received after Nadiem, while serving as minister, directed the use of Chromebook laptops with Chrome Device Management or Chrome Education Upgrade, effectively locking the education system into one platform. Prosecutor Roy Riady told the court that the money originated from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa through PT Gojek Indonesia.

“The money received by Nadiem came from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa through PT Gojek Indonesia,” Roy said during the indictment hearing.

Prosecutors said most of the funds at PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa were sourced from a Google investment worth $786.99 million, a flow they linked to Nadiem’s reported wealth disclosures. His 2022 asset filing showed securities holdings valued at Rp 5.59 trillion, which prosecutors cited as part of the financial trail.

The indictment named 24 other parties, including individuals and corporations, as beneficiaries of the scheme. Prosecutors said the alleged actions by Nadiem and co defendants Ibrahim Arief, also known as Ibam, Mulyatsyah, and Sri Wahyuningsih, along with Jurist Tan who remains at large, caused state losses of Rp 2.18 trillion.

Prosecutors detailed that Rp 1.56 trillion of the losses were linked to the education digitalization program, while $44.05 million, equal to Rp 621.39 billion, stemmed from the procurement of Chrome Device Management licenses deemed unnecessary and without benefit. The Chromebook and license procurement was funded through the state budget and special allocation funds between 2020 and 2022.

The laptops distributed to schools were later found to be largely unusable, particularly in remote and underdeveloped regions, undermining the goal of computer based national assessments and classroom learning. Prosecutors said the decision to procure the licenses was made without proper identification of actual education needs, inflating costs while adding no functional value.

Following the reading of the indictment, the courtroom drew an unusual mix of supporters, including academics, artists, activists, and ride hailing drivers. Several public figures attended the hearing, saying they wanted to witness the legal process firsthand and express moral support.

Etty Indriati, a law professor who traveled from Yogyakarta, said she came to support what she described as Nadiem’s reformist approach during his tenure. “I hope the best for Nadiem, and I believe in the independence of the panel of judges to weigh the case fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law and conscience,” she said.

DJ Donny, an activist and influencer, said the trial should clarify the facts. “I strongly hope that more facts will be revealed by Nadiem’s legal team so everything becomes clear,” he said.

Outside the courtroom, ride hailing drivers also staged a show of solidarity. Mulyono, identified as one of Gojek’s earliest driver partners, said Nadiem’s platform had transformed livelihoods for millions. “We are here in solidarity. We remember Mas Nadiem for opening the way so we could earn a living, feed our families, and send our children to school,” he said.

Nadiem faces charges under Articles 2 and 3 of Indonesia’s anti corruption law in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code. The court adjourned after the indictment, with the case set to proceed to further hearings examining evidence and defense objections.