Indonesian prosecutors have requested an 18-year prison sentence for Nadiem Anwar Makarim, co-founder of ride-hailing and payments giant Gojek, over alleged corruption linked to the procurement of Google Chromebook laptops for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand was made at a hearing at Jakarta’s Corruption Court on Wednesday.
Prosecutors also sought a fine of 1 billion rupiah (approximately $57,180) and the seizure of Makarim’s assets if he fails to repay 809 billion rupiah (about $48.2 million) linked to the program, along with 4.8 trillion rupiah (about $275.4 million) described as unexplained wealth. Under the proposal, he would face an additional nine years in prison if he does not comply within one month after a final court ruling.
Makarim, who served as education minister from 2019 to 2024, was arrested in September following an investigation into the procurement, which prosecutors say caused about $125 million in state losses. The case centres on allegations that he “enriched himself” through the government’s Chromebook procurement program in 2020–2022, abusing his position to influence policy decisions and corporate dealings. Prosecutors alleged he pressured Google to invest in PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB), the parent company of Gojek, which later became part of GoTo Group.
During proceedings, prosecutors downplayed testimony from three former Google executives who said Google’s investment in GoTo was unrelated to the Indonesian government’s decision to procure Chromebooks. They argued that the Chromebook procurement and Google’s investment—totalling about $787 million via Google Asia Pacific—were interconnected. Makarim denied wrongdoing, calling the punishment excessive. “These are lawful earnings from building a company and creating jobs,” he told reporters, adding that the restitution sought far exceeded his actual wealth.
The trial has drawn significant public attention, with hundreds of motorcycle taxi drivers showing solidarity for Makarim, who revolutionised Indonesia’s gig economy. A panel of judges is expected to deliver a verdict in the coming weeks. If convicted, Makarim faces one of the harshest corruption sentences in recent Indonesian history.
