Tomorrow, Nadiem Makarim May Be Accompanied By Hotman Paris Undergoing Investigation At The AGO

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Makarim is scheduled to undergo another examination as a witness at the Attorney General's Office (AGO), related to the alleged corruption case in the procurement of laptops based on Chrome OS or Chromebooks.

The examination of Nadiem is planned to take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 08.00 WIB.

"Yes (Nadiem was present) at 8.00 WIB," said Nadiem Makarim's attorney, Hotman Paris Hutapea, when confirmed in Jakarta, Monday, July 14.

Hotman stated that he might accompany his client directly in the examination.

"Yes, God willing," he said.

Previously, Nadiem was supposed to be questioned on July 8, but through his attorney asked for a postponement for certain reasons. He last underwent an examination on Monday, June 23. The examination lasted for 12 hours, from 09.00 to 21.00 WIB.

"A total of 31 main questions that are also developing in the process are further questions and affirmations," said the Head of the AGO's Legal Information Center, Harli Siregar.

Investigators explored a number of technical study meetings held on April 6 and May 2020 regarding the procurement of Chromebooks. One of the focuses of the investigation is the alleged malicious consensus to draw up a technical study that directs the procurement of the device, although previously the technical team assessed that the use of Chromebooks was ineffective.

"In 2019 there has been a trial of 1,000 Chromebook units by the Ministry of Education and Culture's Pustekkom. The results are considered ineffective and the technical team recommends the Windows operating system," said Harli.

However, in mid-2020, the recommendation changed. The new technical study actually encourages the use of Chromebooks again.

Procurement of this laptop attracts a budget of around Rp9.98 trillion. Of that amount, around Rp3.58 trillion came from education unit funds (DSP), while the rest 'around Rp6.39 trillion' was sourced from special allocation funds (DAK).

The AGO is still exploring the roles of various parties in making decisions on the procurement of these devices, including the possibility of intervention in the preparation of technical studies.