Jakarta (ANTARA) - Former education minister Nadiem Makarim on Monday denied allegations that he received Rp809.59 billion in a corruption case linked to the procurement of Chromebooks, saying he was raised in a family that strongly upheld anti-corruption values.
Reading out his objection plea in court, Makarim said his parents had shaped his principles from an early age through discussions about integrity and the future of the nation.
“Since I was a child, my parents asked me to sit at the dining table to listen to stories of anti-corruption activists discussing the direction of our country,” he told the court.
He said his parents instilled in him a deep sense of integrity and patriotism, noting that despite being supported to study abroad, he always chose to return home.
“Although there were many advantages to building a career overseas, Indonesia always called me back,” he said, adding that he felt compelled to help address the country’s challenges.
Makarim recalled his parents’ message that success without dedication was meaningless, a belief that later motivated him to accept the post of education minister.
He said people close to him had advised against taking the role, warning of resistance to reforms and his lack of political backing.
Many were puzzled by his decision to enter public office, which he said offered fewer financial and reputational rewards than his business career at its peak.
“I accepted the responsibility for one reason: the state calls, the future generation calls,” he said, adding that ignoring it would mean turning away from an education crisis.
Addressing the allegation that he received Rp809.59 billion, Makarim said the funds were part of a documented corporate transaction involving PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB), a company he founded.
“Not a single cent of that money went into my personal account,” he said.
He said the funds were returned to the company to settle debts at PT Gojek Indonesia.
Makarim argued prosecutors had failed to explain how the transaction personally benefited him, instead linking unrelated issues.
“Two unrelated matters were connected simply because the transaction happened in 2021,” he said.
The Attorney General’s Office alleges Makarim was involved in the Chromebook procurement to advance private business interests.
The case centers on the ministry’s procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management systems between 2019 and 2022.
Prosecutors estimate state losses at Rp2.18 trillion.
That figure includes Rp1.56 trillion from the ministry’s digital education program and an additional US$44.05 million from CDM procurement deemed unnecessary.
Makarim is charged alongside Ibrahim Arief, Mulyatsyah, Sri Wahyuningsih and Jurist Tan, who remains at large.
Prosecutors have alleged Makarim received Rp809.59 billion from PT AKAB through PT Gojek Indonesia.
