Nadiem Makarim Opens Voice About Alleged Corruption of Laptop Procurement in Kemendikbudristek

About Semarang – Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Minister of Education and Culture), Nadiem Makarim, finally spoke up regarding the alleged corruption case in the education digitalization program for the 2019-2022 period which is currently being investigated by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO).

He asserted that the procurement of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, including laptops, is an emergency mitigation step to overcome the educational crisis due to Pandemi Covid-19.

“Kemendikbudristek must mitigate as soon as possible and effectively as possible so that the danger * learning loss * or loss of learning we can press,” Nadiem said at a press conference in Jakarta, Tuesday (10/6).

He explained, while serving as minister, his party procured around 1.1 million laptop units, 3G modems, and projectors for more than 77 thousand schools for four years.

In addition to supporting distance learning, Nadiem said ICT devices were also used to improve the competence of teachers and education personnel, as well as support the implementation of the Computer -Based National Assessment (ANBK). He stressed that every policy was taken with the principle of transparency, justice, and good faith.

“I am ready to work together and support law enforcement officials by providing information or clarification if needed,” he said.

AGO itself is currently exploring alleged criminal acts of corruption in the procurement of chromebook laptops worth Rp9.9 trillion. The Head of the Attorney General’s Legal Information Center, Harli Siregar, revealed an indication of evil preaching in the form of direction to the technical team in order to compile a study that dribbled to the use of Chromebook.

In fact, the trial results in 2019 showed that the device was considered ineffective for learning.

Of the total budget, Rp3.58 trillion is sourced from funds in the education unit, while Rp6,399 trillion through the Special Allocation Fund (DAK). Until now, the AGO is still calculating the potential loss of state finances due to the case.

Investigations continue to be carried out to reveal whether there is an element of intent or violation of the law in the procurement process.

Nadiem’s ​​open statement is in the public spotlight, given its position as a policy maker when the program is run.

AGO said he would call various related parties, including former officials, in order to explore their respective legal responsibilities in this case. ***