Key facts
- An Indonesian court reduced Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim's prison sentence to nine years.
- The conviction relates to improper laptop procurement for schools.
- Makarim was found guilty of abusing his authority and favoring specific tender requirements.
- The ruling resulted in state losses of $125 million.
- The restitution amount Makarim must pay was reduced to 548 billion rupiah ($45.23 million).
JAKARTA, Sept 24 (Reuters) - An Indonesian court on Thursday reduced the prison sentence of Gojek founder and former education minister Nadiem Makarim to nine years from ten years on appeal for a graft conviction related to improper laptop procurement. Judges upheld the finding that Makarim abused his authority by adjusting tender requirements to favor Google Chromebooks, which restricted competition and led to $125 million in state losses.
One judge, Catur Iriantoro, stated that the appeal to dismiss all charges was not approved as the previous ruling was consistent with the established facts, evidence, and witness testimony. Another judge, Subachran Hardi Mulyana, announced that the restitution amount Makarim must pay was reduced from 809 billion rupiah ($45.23 million) to 548 billion rupiah.
Following the hearing, Makarim expressed disappointment and announced his intention to file another appeal to the Supreme Court, stating, "The victim now is not just me, but the credibility of the law enforcement system in Indonesia."