Indonesia’s Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim Jailed for Corruption

Indonesia’s former education minister and Gojek co-founder, Nadiem Makarim, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of corruption linked to a school laptop procurement project during his time in government. The 41-year-old was convicted of manipulating the procurement process for personal financial gain, although he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court also ordered Makarim to pay restitution, with additional prison time possible if he fails to meet the payment. The case centers on a laptop procurement program introduced while he served as education minister, a role he held from 2019 to 2024 under former President Joko Widodo’s administration.

Makarim left his position as co-founder of Gojek in 2019 to join the government. His conviction has sparked controversy, with critics of the Indonesian authorities arguing that the case relied on weak evidence and alleging that he has been targeted as part of a broader campaign against political opponents.