Allegations Of Corruption In The Procurement Of Nadiem Era Laptops At The Ministry Of Education And Culture, Commission III Of The DPR: The AGO Should Not Hesitate A Suspect

Former Minister of Education and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim. (Between)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the DPR RI, Abdullah urged the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) to thoroughly investigate allegations of corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops worth Rp9.9 trillion financed by the Ministry of Education and Culture in the era of Mendikbudristek Nadiem Makariem.

Abdullah emphasized that law enforcement should not be selective. According to him, the Attorney General's Office must move quickly and be transparent in following up on this case.

"This case concerns state finances and touches the education sector which is very vital. Allegations of price mark-ups in the procurement of Chromebook laptops must be used as a priority for investigation," Abdullah said, Tuesday, June 10.

"The Attorney General's Office must not hesitate to trace the flow of funds and determine if the evidence is sufficient," he continued.

Abdullah also requested that all parties involved in the procurement, ranging from ministries, providers of goods, to officials involved in the budgeting and auction process, be proactive and cooperative in the investigation process.

He also reminded that efforts to eradicate corruption must be carried out systematically and thoroughly, including in the education sector, which has often been the target of large-scale procurement programs.

"We don't want the world of education to be tarnished by disgraceful practices like this. I ask law enforcement officials to work quickly, transparently and professionally," Abdullah said.

Abdullah stated that Commission III of the DPR RI would continue to oversee the handling of this case, including the possibility of summoning related parties in hearings if needed.

The PKB legislator from the Central Java VI electoral district emphasized that the Attorney General's Office must handle the case thoroughly. Abdullah assessed that the mastermind of the case must be held accountable for his actions that harm the community.

"Of course we must continue to prioritize the principle of presumption of innocence and leave it entirely to the investigators of the Attorney General's Office," Abdullah said.

Previously, the Attorney General's Office had examined 28 witnesses, including two special staff during the term of office of Minister Nadiem Makarim.

In addition, the Attorney General has issued and followed up on the Notice of Investigation Commencement (SPDP) to the KPK as a form of coordination between institutions.

The AGO has also conducted searches of two apartment units belonging to an ex-Mendikbud special staff, located in Kuningan Place and The Orchard Satrio in Ciputra World 2. From there, the AGO confiscated documents, 4 smartphones, 2 laptops, 15 agenda books, flash drives, and a number of important documents.