Court Urges Investigation into Former Minister Makarim's Rp 4.87 Trillion Wealth via Money Laundering Charges

A panel of judges at the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta has called on the Attorney General's Office to investigate the substantial wealth increase of former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim, amounting to Rp 4.87 trillion. The court suggested this investigation should proceed through money laundering charges.

Presiding judge Eryusman stated that the prosecutor's request to seize this sum as restitution within the current Chromebook corruption case could not be granted. He explained that while the court acknowledges the alleged disproportionate wealth, the legal avenue pursued by the prosecution was inappropriate for this specific claim.

The prosecution had initially sought a total restitution of Rp 5.67 trillion from Makarim, comprising Rp 809.59 billion and the Rp 4.87 trillion in question. Judge Eryusman indicated that the investigation into the Rp 4.87 trillion, which is alleged to be an unbalanced increase in wealth based on the 2022 State Wealth Report (LHKPN) and the reversed burden of proof under anti-corruption laws, could be pursued through a separate money laundering investigation.

While the judges expressed understanding of the Attorney General's Office's commitment to maximizing state financial recovery, Eryusman emphasized that such efforts must adhere to the principles of legality, legal certainty, and proportionality. The court's decision highlights a procedural distinction, suggesting that Makarim's alleged unexplained wealth should be addressed through a dedicated money laundering probe rather than as restitution in the ongoing corruption trial.