Gojek Co-Founder Nadiem Makarim Jailed for 10 Years

An Indonesian court sentenced former education minister Nadiem Makarim to 10 years in prison on Tuesday. Judges convicted the Gojek co-founder of corruption tied to a school laptop procurement deal. Makarim says the verdict is politically motivated and plans to appeal.

What the Court Ruled

The Jakarta anti-corruption court found Makarim guilty of abusing his authority as education minister. Judges ruled he was not guilty of directly enriching himself through the deal. The court said his actions caused state losses of roughly $120 million.

Chief Judge Purwanto Abdullah led the panel that delivered the verdict on Tuesday. He said prosecutors proved Makarim committed corruption tied to the Chromebook procurement program. The court also convicted three other education ministry officials in the same case.

Makarim must pay a fine of one billion rupiah, worth about $55,850. He also owes 809 billion rupiah in restitution, roughly $45 million, or faces five more years in prison. Prosecutors had originally sought an 18 year sentence and far higher restitution.

What the Case Involved

The case centered on Chromebook laptops purchased for Indonesian schools between 2020 and 2022. Makarim served as education minister from 2019 to 2024 under former President Joko Widodo. Prosecutors argued the devices suited urban areas poorly and struggled in regions with weak internet access.

Investigators linked the procurement decision to Google's earlier investment in Gojek. Judges found a conflict of interest between Makarim's ministry role and his ties to the tech giant. Google was not charged in the case and has denied any wrongdoing.

GoTo Group, formed after Gojek merged with Tokopedia in 2021, said Makarim held no decision making role after he resigned in 2019. Makarim has argued the Chromebook purchase actually reduced costs for the ministry. He has called the case an investigative error rather than genuine corruption.

Makarim's Response

Makarim appeared visibly emotional as the judges read the verdict in court. He told reporters afterward that the ruling relied on unreasonable conclusions. He said the judges avoided eye contact with him during sentencing.

He noted that the restitution order effectively adds years to his time behind bars. Makarim said he cannot pay the amount the court ordered him to return. Dozens of Gojek drivers gathered outside the courthouse to show support for their former leader.

From Tech Founder to Convicted Minister

Makarim co-founded Gojek in 2010, starting with a small call center and 20 motorcycle drivers. The company grew into a major ride hailing and delivery platform across Southeast Asia. He became one of Indonesia's youngest cabinet ministers when he joined government in 2019.

His conviction marks a dramatic fall for a figure once seen as a symbol of Indonesia's tech industry. Observers have compared his case to other convictions involving allies of former President Widodo. Some critics argue Indonesia's anti-corruption drive increasingly targets political rivals rather than pursuing pure justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Nadiem Makarim sentenced to prison?

A Jakarta court found him guilty of abusing his authority during a school Chromebook procurement deal.

Q: How much money did the case involve?

The court said the procurement caused roughly $120 million in state losses.

Q: Did Makarim personally profit from the deal?

No. Judges ruled he did not directly enrich himself through the procurement process.

Q: Is Nadiem Makarim appealing the verdict?

Yes. He has denied wrongdoing and confirmed plans to appeal the 10 year sentence.

Q: What was Makarim's role before becoming a minister?

He co-founded Gojek in 2010 and led the company before joining government in 2019.