ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has uncovered a major corruption scandal involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). The case has led to state losses of up to IDR 1.98 trillion (approx. USD 125 million), and questions are now being raised about the role of former Minister Nadiem Makarim.
The AGO has officially named four individuals as suspects in the corruption case involving the digital education equipment procurement for the 2020–2022 fiscal years. The suspects are: (1) Sri Wahyuningsih (SW) – Director of Elementary Schools, Kemendikbudristek, (2) Mulyatsyah (MUL) – Director of Junior High Schools, Kemendikbudristek, (3) Ibrahim Arief (IBAM) – Independent technology consultant for the project, (4) Jurist Tan (JT) – Former Special Staff to Minister Nadiem Makarim.
According to Abdul Qohar, Director of Special Crimes at the AGO, the suspects unilaterally decided to use Chrome OS, which was deemed inadequate for educational purposes, especially in Indonesia’s remote and underdeveloped (3T) regions.
“The suspects abused their authority by creating implementation guidelines that mandated the exclusive use of Chrome OS, which turned out to be incompatible with the needs of students and teachers in 3T regions,” said Qohar, July 15, 2025.
Nadiem Makarim’s Alleged Role in Planning the Chromebook Program
What shocked the public further was the revelation of former Minister Nadiem Makarim’s involvement in the project’s planning. Qohar disclosed that Nadiem initiated the idea before even assuming office.
Nadiem allegedly coordinated with consultant Ibrahim Arief in 2019 to develop the concept of using Chrome OS-based laptops in schools. After being appointed Minister, Nadiem proceeded to meet with Google representatives to discuss the Digital Education Program.
Subsequently, his special staff, Jurist Tan, followed up with Google to iron out the technical aspects of Chromebook procurement. A virtual meeting on May 6, 2020, attended by top ministry officials, including Sri Wahyuningsih, Mulyatsyah, Ibrahim Arief, and Jurist Tan, reportedly saw Nadiem give direct orders to proceed with the procurement using Chrome OS.
Furthermore, Nadiem issued Ministerial Regulation No. 5/2021, which formalized the implementation of the Chromebook procurement. The total budget was IDR 9.3 trillion (approx. USD 590 million), allocated as follows: IDR 3.64 trillion from the state budget (APBN) and IDR 5.66 trillion from Special Allocation Funds (DAK).
“A total of 1.2 million Chromebook units were procured under Nadiem’s directive to use Chrome OS,” Qohar explained.
However, the laptops were later found to be inefficient and unsuitable for teachers and students due to the system’s limitations in offline or low-connectivity environments.
Legal Status and AGO’s Next Steps
Two suspects, Sri Wahyuningsih and Mulyatsyah, have been officially detained. Ibrahim Arief has been placed under city arrest due to a heart condition, while Jurist Tan is currently abroad and has been listed as a fugitive.
Although Nadiem Makarim has not been named a suspect, the AGO confirmed that his role is under close investigation.
“There is no need to panic. We are building our case based on strong evidence,” said Qohar when asked about the possibility of Nadiem being named a suspect.
Violation of Multiple Laws
According to investigators, the suspects’ actions violated: Law No. 31 of 1999 on Corruption Eradication (as amended by Law No. 20/2021), Law No. 30 of 2016 on Government Administration and Law No. 1 of 2022 on Fiscal Relations between Central and Regional Governments.
This case deals a heavy blow to Indonesia’s ambition of digitalizing its education sector. A program meant to empower students and modernize learning has instead turned into one of the largest corruption scandals in the sector’s history.
With state losses nearing IDR 2 trillion, all eyes are now on the AGO and whether Nadiem Makarim, the face of Indonesia’s digital transformation, will eventually be held accountable. (AT Network)
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