Former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, co-founder of Gojek, received a ten-year prison term after a Jakarta anti-graft court found him guilty of corrupt practices in the procurement of Google Chromebooks for public schools.
The Corruption Court in Jakarta handed down the sentence on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, concluding a trial that began in early 2025 [1]. The ruling applies to Makarim’s actions while serving as Indonesia’s Education Minister from 2019 to 2022, a period during which the government launched a digitalization program to supply laptops to public schools [2].
Makarim, who co-founded the ride-hailing and payments platform Gojek in 2010, was tried alongside several procurement officials and a private-sector representative [1]. The court determined that Makarim authorized the purchase of Google Chromebooks at inflated prices, received kickbacks, and failed to follow established public-procurement procedures [1].
The conviction was based on evidence presented by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and included financial records, email correspondence, and testimony from witnesses [3].
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
The trial was conducted under Indonesia’s anti-graft legal framework, which mandates that corruption cases involving public officials be heard by the Corruption Court (Pengadilan Tipikor). The prosecution filed an indictment in November 2024, alleging that the Chromebook contract, valued at roughly US $150 million, contained irregularities in vendor selection and pricing [2].
Legal Proceedings and Verdict The trial was conducted under Indonesia’s anti-graft legal framework, which mandates that corruption cases involving public officials be heard by the Corruption Court (Pengadilan Tipikor).
On June 30, 2026, the presiding judge announced the verdict, sentencing Makarim to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of IDR 2 billion (approximately US $130,000) [1]. The judgment also ordered the confiscation of assets deemed to be proceeds of the alleged graft [3].
Background of the Education Digitalization Program
Indonesian Former Education Minister Sentenced to 10 Years for Chromebook Procurement Corruption
Indonesia’s education digitalization program, launched in 2019, aimed to equip all public primary and secondary schools with digital learning tools, including laptops, tablets, and internet connectivity [2]. The program was part of a broader government strategy to improve educational outcomes and narrow the digital divide across the archipelago [2].
Between 2019 and 2022, the Ministry of Education allocated approximately IDR 2 trillion (about US $130 million) for the procurement of Chromebooks and related infrastructure [2]. The procurement process was intended to be competitive, with multiple vendors invited to submit bids.
The sentencing directly affects students and teachers who rely on the digital devices supplied under the program, as the court ordered a review of all contracts related to the Chromebook rollout [2]. Schools may experience temporary disruptions while the Ministry reassesses procurement practices and seeks alternative suppliers [2].
Educational institutions are required to implement stricter oversight mechanisms for future technology purchases, including mandatory third-party audits and enhanced transparency reporting [3].
For the private sector, the case underscores the legal risks associated with public-sector contracts in Indonesia. Companies seeking government business are expected to adhere to the country’s anti-corruption statutes, and the ruling may influence investor confidence in Indonesia’s technology and education markets [1].
Educational institutions are required to implement stricter oversight mechanisms for future technology purchases, including mandatory third-party audits and enhanced transparency reporting [3].
Gojek, the fintech and ride-hailing firm co-founded by Makarim, issued a statement separating the founder’s personal legal matters from the company’s operations and affirmed its commitment to corporate governance standards [3].
The company’s stock price remained stable in the immediate trading session following the announcement, indicating limited short-term market impact [2].
Key Facts
What: Former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim sentenced to ten years in prison for corruption linked to Chromebook procurement.
When: June 30, 2026, following a trial that began in 2025.
Impact: Students, schools, and technology vendors must adjust to new procurement oversight; the case reinforces anti-corruption enforcement in Indonesia’s public sector.
Impact: Students, schools, and technology vendors must adjust to new procurement oversight; the case reinforces anti-corruption enforcement in Indonesia’s public sector.
Sources
Gojek co-founder given 10-year prison sentence in Indonesia over … – Associated Press
Indonesia jails former education minister for 10 years in Google … – CNBC
Nadiem Makarim jailed 10 years over Indonesia corruption – The Straits Times
Gojek Co-Founder Sentenced to 10 Years in Indonesia Over School Laptops … – U.S. News & World Report
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