Former Indonesian Education Minister Nadiem Makarim Jailed 10 Years for Laptop Deal Corruption

Nadiem Makarim, the entrepreneur behind the Asian super-app Gojek and a former Indonesian education minister, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption. The Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court delivered the verdict, finding Makarim culpable in a procurement scheme linked to laptop acquisitions during his time in public office.

The court also imposed a fine of IDR#500 million (approximately £26,000) and ordered Makarim to pay restitution totalling IDR#2.5 billion (approximately £130,000). The charges centred on irregularities in the tendering process for government-funded laptop purchases intended for educational institutions.

Makarim served as Indonesia’s Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology from 2019 until a cabinet reshuffle earlier this year. His appointment was initially heralded as a move to bring innovation to the public sector, leveraging his success with Gojek, which revolutionised ride-hailing and delivery services across Southeast Asia.

The conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Indonesian authorities to address corruption within government ranks. Critics often point to systemic issues in public procurement, which frequently present opportunities for illicit enrichment.