Public Prosecutor Roy Riady has challenged recent comments made by political analyst Rocky Gerung regarding the ongoing corruption trial of former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Makarim. Riady argued that the complexities of the case, which centers on the procurement of Chromebook laptops, cannot be grasped or analyzed after attending court for only a brief session.
The controversy emerged after Rocky Gerung attended the trial proceedings on Monday (May 11) until they were adjourned at approximately 2:00 PM WIB. Riady emphasized that the legal process has involved dozens of witnesses and has been unfolding over nearly six months. “How can he analyze the factual legal evidence and proceedings by only attending the trial for an hour or two?” Riady questioned during the session at the Jakarta Corruption Court.
At the heart of the case is the allegation that Nadiem Makarim received Rp 809.56 billion in connection with the education digitalization program. The procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management (CDM) services within the ministry between 2019 and 2022 has come under intense scrutiny by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (JPU).
The alleged involvement of the former minister was detailed during the indictment hearing for three other defendants: Ibrahim Arief (also known as Ibam), Sri Wahyuningsih, and Mulyatsyah. While Nadiem was absent from the proceedings due to illness, prosecutors stated that the defendants acted in collusion with him and former Special Staffer Jurist Tan. The defendants are accused of causing state losses totaling Rp 2.18 trillion, which includes Rp 1.56 trillion related to the digitalization program and approximately US$ 44.05 million (equivalent to Rp 621.39 billion) spent on unnecessary and ineffective Chrome Device Management services.
According to the prosecution, the illicit acts involved procuring information and communication technology equipment that violated established procurement principles and planning guidelines between 2020 and 2022.
Despite these serious allegations, Rocky Gerung claimed that his presence in court was to ensure that the trial adheres to legal reasoning. He expressed skepticism regarding the prosecution’s methodology, particularly criticizing their attempt to link WhatsApp conversations to the criminal charges.
“The prosecutors seem exhausted in their efforts to transform WhatsApp conversations into incriminating evidence,” Rocky remarked. “Perhaps their legal logic has not yet reached the stage required to turn those facts into a coherent, proven accusation.”
Summary
Public Prosecutor Roy Riady has criticized political analyst Rocky Gerung for prematurely assessing the corruption trial involving former Minister Nadiem Makarim. Riady argues that the case, which has been ongoing for six months and involves extensive testimony, cannot be fully understood by someone who attended only a brief portion of the proceedings. The trial focuses on allegations that Makarim received Rp 809.56 billion in connection with a state-funded education digitalization program.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants engaged in procurement irregularities, resulting in state losses totaling approximately Rp 2.18 trillion. While Gerung claims his presence serves to monitor the trial’s legal reasoning, he has publicly questioned the validity of using WhatsApp conversations as primary evidence. Prosecutors maintain that the complexity of the case requires a thorough review of facts rather than superficial analysis from outside observers.
