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Prominent Tech Founder in Indonesia Is Found Guilty in Corruption Case
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Nadiem Makarim, co-founder of Gojek and former Indonesian education minister, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing his power in awarding a government contract for Google computers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Prosecutors alleged the contract was a quid pro quo linked to prior Google investments in Gojek, causing the government a loss of nearly $85 million due to inflated pricing, though Makarim was acquitted of personal enrichment charges.
- A panel of judges found the prosecution's case convincing, though one judge dissented, arguing Makarim was not involved in pricing decisions; Makarim has denied all charges and critics have questioned the evidence and fairness of the trial.
- The case has raised concerns about Indonesia's judicial system and its impact on investor confidence, which was already fragile due to unpredictable economic policies under President Prabowo Subianto.
