Nadiem Makarim, the co-founder of Southeast Asia’s leading super-app Gojek and Indonesia’s former education minister, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty in a high-profile corruption case linked to a controversial government laptop procurement program.
The 41-year-old entrepreneur, who transformed Gojek into one of Indonesia’s most successful technology companies, was convicted by a Jakarta court for abusing his authority during the education ministry’s purchase of Chromebook laptops between 2021 and 2022. While prosecutors accused Makarim of personally benefiting from the deal, judges ruled that unlawful personal enrichment had not been proven. However, they concluded that he had engaged in corrupt practices by creating a conflict of interest that favored corporate relationships connected to the procurement process.
In addition to the 10-year prison sentence, Makarim was ordered to pay restitution totaling 809 billion rupiah (approximately $45 million). Failure to pay the amount would result in an additional five years behind bars. He was also fined one billion rupiah, with further jail time possible if the fine remains unpaid.
The case centered on the Indonesian education ministry’s decision to purchase Chromebook laptops for schools despite earlier assessments that the devices were unsuitable for many remote regions lacking reliable internet access. Prosecutors argued that the procurement specifications were structured to favor Google’s Chrome ecosystem, pointing to Makarim’s previous connections to the tech sector and the fact that Google had invested in Gojek.
Makarim rejected the allegations throughout the trial, maintaining that the procurement program reduced government costs and improved educational technology access. He also denied personally benefiting from the transactions, arguing that the funds cited by prosecutors remained within company accounts and were never transferred to him.
The verdict sparked emotional scenes at the Jakarta courthouse, where dozens of supporters, including Gojek drivers, gathered to show solidarity. Makarim appeared visibly emotional as the sentence was read, and supporters responded with boos and chants outside the courtroom.
Speaking after the ruling, Makarim announced plans to appeal the decision, expressing disappointment with the outcome and insisting that he had acted in the public interest during his tenure as education minister.
The conviction has fueled debate across Indonesia, with critics arguing that the case reflects broader concerns about the country’s anti-corruption efforts and the treatment of political figures associated with former President Joko Widodo. Some analysts and activists have suggested the prosecution may discourage talented professionals from entering public service, while supporters of the verdict argue it demonstrates accountability regardless of political influence.
Makarim left Gojek in 2019 to join Widodo’s administration and served as education minister until 2024. Under his leadership, Gojek grew into one of Southeast Asia’s largest digital platforms, serving more than 170 million users through transportation, food delivery and digital payment services.
The ruling comes amid growing political and economic tensions in Indonesia, where rising living costs, a weakening rupiah and increasing public dissatisfaction have fueled protests against the government in recent months.