An Indonesian appeals court has reduced the corruption sentence of Nadiem Makarim, the co-founder of the ride-hailing app Gojek and former education minister, by one year. The ruling was issued in Jakarta on Thursday, shortening his prison term from 10 to nine years and decreasing the restitution amount he is required to pay from 809 billion rupiah (approximately RM184 million) to 549 billion rupiah (around RM125 million).

Nadiem, 42, was originally convicted in June in connection with graft related to the procurement of laptops for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors accused him of abusing his authority by altering tender specifications to favor the purchase of Google Chromebooks for remote learning, which they say caused state losses amounting to about US$120 million.

Following the appeals court decision, Nadiem stated that he plans to seek a full overturn of his conviction at the Supreme Court. He maintained his innocence and expressed his determination to clear his name.

A graduate of an Ivy League university, Nadiem stepped down from his leadership role at Gojek in 2019 to become one of Indonesia’s youngest Cabinet ministers when he was appointed education minister. He held the position until 2024.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Nadiem’s prominence in Indonesia’s tech sector and government, as well as the size of the alleged corruption involved. Authorities have framed the conviction as a key measure in addressing corruption in public procurement processes during the pandemic. Meanwhile, Nadiem and his legal team continue to contest the verdict and penalties imposed on him.