A video circulating on social media recently claimed that Nadiem Makarim, Indonesia’s former Education Minister, had been placed on the Attorney General’s wanted list in a laptop corruption case.
The clip, uploaded to X, alleged that Makarim was named in a Daftar Pencarian Orang (DPO), or wanted persons list, due to a multi-trillion-rupiah fraud scheme.
According to the video, the Chromebook procurement scandal took place between 2019 and 2022 during Makarim’s tenure as head of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
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It accused him of being involved in the disappearance of 9.9 trillion rupiah under the pretense of digitalizing education across Indonesia.
Rumors Surround Chromebook Corruption and Makarim’s Ministerial Tenure
The alleged corruption case involves the government’s Chromebook procurement for educational purposes during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office (AGO) began investigating the program after uncovering irregularities in the planning and execution phases.
Investigators believe that ministry officials may have directed technical teams to produce favorable feasibility studies, despite earlier trials in 2019 showing the laptops were ineffective.
Pustekom, the Center for Information Technology and Communication under the ministry, had tested 1,000 Chromebooks and found their performance lacking.
AGO Confirms Makarim May Be Questioned But Not a Fugitive
Despite his leadership role during the alleged misconduct, Nadiem Makarim has not been officially named a suspect or fugitive in the Chromebook corruption case.
Harli Siregar, spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, told Antara News that Makarim might be questioned in the future.
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“Given the timeframe and his position, there is a possibility we will ask for his statement,” Harli said.
However, in a subsequent clarification, he explicitly denied that Makarim had been listed in the DPO.
Misinformation Amplified by Viral Video on Social Media
The video, which falsely claimed Makarim had been declared a fugitive since late May 2025, has gained more than 3,000 views on X.
It features dramatic narration and imagery, portraying Makarim as a central figure in a so-called criminal ring known as “Geng Solo.”
There is no official documentation or announcement from the Attorney General’s Office to support this narrative.
Indonesian fact-checkers have rated the video as a hoax, emphasizing that no such decision has been made by prosecutors.
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Experts Warn Against Misinformation in High-Profile Legal Cases
Legal observers have warned that social media content related to high-profile corruption investigations can easily mislead the public.
“Disinformation spreads rapidly when investigations involve prominent figures,” said Dewi Kartika, a political analyst at the University of Indonesia.
She added that even suggestions of legal action must be substantiated by formal statements and judicial records.
Unverified videos can damage reputations and influence public opinion ahead of actual legal proceedings.
AGO Encourages Public to Rely on Official Case Updates
In light of the controversy, the AGO urged the public to consult official statements and avoid sharing unconfirmed claims.
“Our office communicates developments through trusted media partners and official platforms,” Harli emphasized.
He also warned that those responsible for spreading disinformation could face legal consequences under Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions Law.
The AGO continues its investigation into the Chromebook procurement but has yet to name any new suspects.
Public Needs Clarity Amid Digital Education Corruption Scandal
As the Chromebook case continues to unfold, public trust in education sector procurement remains under scrutiny.
Observers have called for increased transparency in digital infrastructure initiatives, particularly when massive public funds are involved.
The Ministry of Education has not yet responded to recent developments but is expected to release a statement soon.
Meanwhile, Nadiem Makarim remains a free citizen and is not subject to any legal restrictions at this time.
Conclusion
Despite viral claims on social media, the Attorney General has not included Nadiem Makarim on its wanted persons list in the Chromebook corruption case.
Official sources confirm that while he may be called for questioning, there is no legal action designating him a fugitive.
In the digital era, where misinformation travels quickly, relying on credible news sources and official statements is essential.
The Chromebook procurement scandal continues to be investigated, but no charges have been filed against Makarim as of June 5, 2025.***
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