Prominent Tech Founder in Indonesia Is Found Guilty in Corruption Case

Prominent Tech Founder in Indonesia Is Found Guilty in Corruption Case

An Indonesian anti-graft court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, sentenced Nadiem Anwar Makarim, the co-founder of the super-app Gojek and former education minister, to 10 years in prison. The verdict follows a high-profile corruption case involving the procurement of Google Chromebook laptops for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court ordered Makarim, 41, to pay a fine of 1 billion rupiah and restitution of 809 billion rupiah (approximately $45 million). Because he stated he is unable to pay the restitution, he faces an additional five years in prison, effectively bringing his sentence to 15 years. A further 190 days in jail would be served if the 1 billion rupiah fine remains unpaid.

The Procurement Dispute

The case centers on a program to purchase Chromebook laptops between 2020 and 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Makarim abused his authority to favor Google, an investor in Gojek's parent company, by creating tender specifications that only fit the Chrome system. This was allegedly intended to make Google the sole controller of the education ecosystem in Indonesia.

The Attorney-General’s Office pointed to 2018 ministry studies which found that Chromebooks would be ineffective in rural areas without reliable internet. Prosecutors further claimed the procurement caused $125 million in state losses, with other reports citing losses of around 2.18 trillion rupiah.

Makarim denied the charges throughout the trial, which began in January. He argued the choice of Chromebooks saved the government at least 3.6 trillion rupiah (about $201 million) and that the 809 billion rupiah in question remained within company accounts and was never touched by him personally.

Judicial Findings and Dissent

A panel of five judges ruled that while it was not proven that Makarim unlawfully enriched himself, he was guilty of corruption and abuse of authority. Presiding Judge Purwanto S. Abdullah stated that the defendant's actions were deliberate, structured and systematic, noting a conflict of interest as Makarim remained a shareholder in GoTo while signing regulations that benefited Google’s ecosystem.

The court dismissed some prosecution claims, finding no evidence of bribery or kickbacks. Three former Google executives testified that Google's investment in GoTo was unrelated to the government's procurement decisions. Additionally, Judge Andi Saputra issued a dissenting opinion, arguing that prosecutors failed to meet the high standard of proof required for white-collar crime and that Makarim should have been acquitted.

The 10-year sentence was lower than the 18 years sought by prosecutors. The judges cited Makarim's age, lack of prior convictions, and potential for future contribution to society as mitigating factors.

Public and Political Reaction

The trial drew significant attention from Gojek drivers, some of whom gathered outside the Jakarta courthouse with banners reading Free Nadiem. Upon hearing the verdict, Makarim became visibly emotional and cried, later telling reporters, I do not know what words I can use to explain how I feel today.

Critics and activists have questioned the motivations behind the conviction. Lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis stated that the eradication of corruption is being used to attack those critical of people in power. Other observers noted parallels to the cases of ex-trade minister Tom Lembong and party official Hasto Kristiyanto, both of whom were previously convicted of corruption but pardoned by President Prabowo Subianto.

Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, suggested Makarim may have been perceived as trying to force the government to innovate policies too quickly. Political activist Andovi da Lopez said the verdict creates a feeling of fear among young professionals considering careers in government.

Context and Future Steps

Makarim transitioned from the private sector to government in 2019, leaving Gojek to join the cabinet of former president Joko Widodo. Other individuals involved in the case, including a former education ministry consultant and two officials, received sentences of up to four-and-half years.

The verdict arrives amid rising youth unrest and protests against the government of Prabowo Subianto over the falling value of the rupiah and the increasing cost of living.

Makarim has announced he will file an appeal to challenge the conviction.