In the ongoing trial over alleged corruption in Chromebook procurement, MAKI coordinator Boyamin Saiman warns prosecutors to focus on proving malicious intent from the procurement's outset, ignoring distractions like former Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim's reported plan to police a witness. He calls for public education to counter misleading social media narratives.
Jakarta, VIVA - Amid the trial for the alleged corruption case in Chromebook procurement for the education digitalization program—where prosecutors have accused former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim of receiving Rp809.59 billion—MAKI coordinator Boyamin Saiman urges the Prosecutors' Team (JPU) to stay focused on the case's substance and resist out-of-court distractions.
Boyamin emphasizes proving malicious intent (mens rea) and conspiracy from the procurement's start. "Prosecutors must demonstrate rigging from day one, where procurements are locked to favor a 'champion' vendor through tailored requirements, specifications, and rigid administration," he told reporters on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Key elements include the 'black coffee' policy involving the defendant's associates, which warrants deep scrutiny. Boyamin sees Nadiem's plan to report witness Jumeri to police as intimidation to undermine witness independence. "Prosecutors must not dance to the defendant's tune on trivial matters—stick to proving initial malice," he advised.
Citing Law No. 31 of 2014 protecting witnesses from threats, he calls on the Attorney General's Office to educate the public against distorting social media narratives. "At the trial stage, facts must be fully disclosed, not drip-fed. This education ensures society grasps the case's reality," he added.
The case underscores anti-corruption enforcement challenges in education procurement.
