The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to transfer the handling of an alleged corruption case concerning Google Cloud procurement within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung). This strategic decision stems from the fact that the Kejagung is already actively investigating a closely related and overlapping matter: the alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops, a case that implicates former Kemendikbudristek Minister Nadiem Makarim.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed this collaborative move, stating in Bogor on Tuesday (18/11), “Based on the coordination results for Google Cloud, the handling will be handed over to the Attorney General’s Office.” He further emphasized the rationale behind this transfer, highlighting that the parties slated for accountability in the Google Cloud case are identical to those already embroiled in the ongoing Kejagung investigation. “Each party held accountable, based on our coordinated findings, is the same. That’s why it has been coordinated, and it will be handed over in projection. This is a form of coordination, a form of cooperation between agencies,” Setyo explained, underscoring the synergy between the two anti-graft bodies.
Prior to this decision, the KPK’s investigation into the alleged Google Cloud procurement corruption at Kemendikbudristek was still in its preliminary inquiry phase, with no detailed specifics publicly disclosed. However, the KPK had previously revealed that the alleged corrupt procurement transpired during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. During that period, students were mandated to undertake remote learning (PJJ) or online learning, necessitating robust digital infrastructure. Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, elucidated on Thursday (24/7) that “Google Cloud is one of its software. It’s software for placing and storing data from all schools across Indonesia. We remember that during the Covid era, learning was conducted online.”
Asep further clarified that Google Cloud is a paid service, and the core of the KPK’s investigation revolved around alleged corruption in these payments. To illustrate, he drew a relatable parallel: “So, if we ourselves want to store something, let alone a large quantity, photos, videos, or whatever, we store it. We pay for that Cloud service. This Google Cloud is similar. That’s what we are currently investigating.” Crucially, Asep acknowledged that the procurement of Google Cloud was part of a package deal, directly linked with the procurement of Chromebook laptops—the very case currently being probed by the Attorney General’s Office. This integral connection ultimately led to the KPK’s decision to cede the Google Cloud case to the Kejagung.
The Chromebook case, now firmly in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office, has seen significant progress. Kejagung investigators have already transferred the case files for suspect Nadiem Makarim and others to public prosecutors. These individuals are expected to face trial in the near future for a case that has allegedly resulted in staggering state losses of up to IDR 1.98 trillion.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to transfer an alleged Google Cloud procurement corruption case at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to the Attorney General’s Office (Kejagung). This strategic decision is due to Kejagung already investigating a closely related and overlapping Chromebook laptop procurement case. The parties identified for accountability in both cases are reportedly identical, making this transfer a form of inter-agency coordination and cooperation.
KPK’s preliminary investigation into the Google Cloud case focused on alleged corruption in payments for the service, which was procured during the Covid-19 pandemic to support remote learning infrastructure. Google Cloud, a paid service for storing data from schools, was part of a package deal directly linked to the Chromebook procurement. Kejagung’s ongoing Chromebook case has seen progress, with suspect Nadiem Makarim and others expected to face trial for alleged state losses of up to IDR 1.98 trillion.