Gojek founder Nadiem urges GoTo to speak on Chromebook case

Nadiem Makarim, Indonesia’s former minister of education and Gojek founder, asked GoTo to speak publicly about the allegations he received funds in the Chromebook procurement corruption case.

The request was presented in a letter read by Nadiem’s lawyer during a hearing at Jakarta’s Corruption Court on January 12.

Nadiem is accused of benefiting from 809 billion rupiah (US$48 million) linked to the digitalization program at Indonesia’s education ministry between 2019 and 2022.

He denied receiving any funds, saying that GoTo’s records show the money was returned to PT AKAB.

Nadiem’s lawyer said the company’s documentation is clear and cannot be altered.

The court rejected Nadiem’s objection to the charges, allowing the case to proceed.

Nadiem also expressed disappointment at what he called investigative errors by prosecutors.

🔗 Source: Kompas.com

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Nadiem asks GoTo to clarify alleged fund flows as evidence stakes stay high

Nadiem wants GoTo to confirm that IDR 809 billion went back to PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (AKAB), the company behind Gojek. He asked GoTo to speak publicly, while prosecutors say he received about IDR 809 billion 1.
Prosecutors may challenge the claim without records from GoTo’s books or filings, which could sway how the court weighs the charges 1.
In July 2025, the Attorney General’s Office searched GoTo’s Jakarta office for evidence, including flash drives 2.
GoTo’s share price slid from IDR 338 at its IPO to about IDR 61 by November 7, 2025 3. Reports said Grab sought financing for a possible GoTo deal, while authorities said no merger agreement existed then 4 2.

Regtech (regulatory technology) providers can tap momentum in Indonesia’s procurement reform

The Chromebook case renewed focus on conflict-of-interest risks in public procurement. Sistem Pengadaan Secara Elektronik (SPSE), the government’s e-procurement system, logs tender stages for transparency but it does not detect conflicts. Prosecutors say Nadiem pushed Google to invest about $787 million in PT AKAB 1 5.
Vendors with AI conflict checks and real-time contract monitoring can work with LKPP (National Public Procurement Agency) before any legal shift. A Procurement Bill would unify rules across government plus state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and it sits on the 2025 Priority National Legislation Program 6.
Nusantara’s project rules allow performance-based contracts and design “beauty contests”. That creates demand for compliance tools that plug into SPSE 7 5.