Former Gojek Co‑Founder Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Corruption Charges

The former co‑founder of Indonesia’s super‑app Gojek, who served as education minister, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on corruption charges.

Nadiem Makarim, 41, was found guilty of manipulating a school laptop procurement process while in office to enrich himself. He had pleaded not guilty.

Although he has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, Makarim faces an extended custodial term because he is unable to pay the ordered restitution.

Makarim left Gojek in 2019 to join the government of former President Joko Widodo and served as education minister until 2024. Critics of the Indonesian authorities have argued that the case relies on limited evidence and may represent a political campaign targeting an opposition figure.

In addition to the 10‑year prison term, Makarim was ordered to pay restitution of 809 billion rupiah ($45 million, £34 million) – the amount he was found guilty of enriching himself with – or serve an additional five years.

Since he cannot pay the restitution, he is effectively facing a 15‑year sentence.

Makarim also faces a one‑billion‑rupiah fine, and if this fine remains unpaid he will serve an additional 190 days in jail.

The case centers on the ministry’s procurement of Chromebook laptops for schools in Indonesia from 2021 to 2022.

Prosecutors alleged that the Chromebooks were purchased even though the ministry had determined in 2018 that the computers required an internet connection to be used, making them unsuitable for remote areas where connectivity is limited.

The ministry proceeded with the purchase after Makarim met with representatives from Google in 2020, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors contended that Makarim favored Google, a Gojek investor, by drafting tender specifications that only fit the Chrome system, thereby positioning Google as the sole controller of the education ecosystem in Indonesia.

They claimed that his actions violated the government’s anti‑corruption pledges and caused $125 million in state losses while enriching himself.

Makarim denied the charges, asserting that the 809 billion rupiah in question had always remained within Gojek’s accounts and that he had never personally accessed the funds.

He also denied any link between Google’s investment in Gojek and the procurement, arguing that the choice of Chromebooks resulted in cost savings for the government.

Supporters, including Gojek drivers, gathered at the Jakarta courthouse wearing white banners reading “We are with Nadiem” and “Free Nadiem.”

When Makarim appeared at the courthouse, he shook hands with supporters and expressed strong emotion after a driver hugged him.

“It has been difficult for almost ten months. As a family, we have continued to pray, fight, and stand by him throughout this time,” his mother‑in‑law, Sania Makki, told reporters.

Supporters wearing Gojek jackets sat in a nearby room where the proceedings were streamed live.

After the judge delivered the verdict, Makarim appeared visibly emotional, beginning to cry while supporters outside the courtroom booed loudly.

In a brief statement to the media, Makarim said he would file an appeal.

“I do not know what words I can use to explain how I feel today,” he said.

“I do not know whom I should ask for help, or where I can seek justice. My only hope is in the Indonesian people, in those who still believe that truth still exists in this country.”

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