Depok, W. Java. Indonesia's government said it will not interfere in the legal process involving former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, while prosecutors signaled they are considering expanding their investigation to include possible money-laundering charges following his conviction in a multitrillion-rupiah Chromebook procurement corruption case.

Chief Law, Human Rights and Immigration Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Thursday that the government respects the court's ruling, regardless of public debate surrounding the verdict, and stressed that the judiciary must remain independent.

"Whatever the court decides, whether people agree or disagree, it is a decision that must be respected," Yusril told reporters at the University of Indonesia.

He said Nadiem retains the right to pursue legal remedies, including appeals, cassation, and a judicial review, adding that the government has not attempted to influence the proceedings.

"If he is proven guilty, he should be punished. If he is not, he should be acquitted. The government remains neutral and leaves the process entirely to the courts," Yusril said.

Yusril also dismissed speculation that the government was considering granting Nadiem amnesty, abolition, or rehabilitation, saying no such proposal has been discussed.

The comments came two days after Jakarta's Anti-Corruption Court sentenced Nadiem to 10 years in prison over corruption linked to the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management software for schools between 2019 and 2022.

The court also ordered him to pay a Rp 1 billion ($61,000) fine and Rp 809.6 billion in restitution, or face additional imprisonment if the payment is not made.

The panel of judges found that Nadiem abused his authority, causing state losses of Rp 1.56 trillion. The court also concluded he received Rp 809.6 billion originating from PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (AKAB), the company behind Gojek that he co-founded, through PT Gojek Indonesia.

According to the ruling, the Chromebook procurement policy benefited Google by encouraging additional investment into AKAB, including funds linked to Google's investment in the company.

Separately, the Attorney General's Office said prosecutors are examining whether to pursue a money-laundering investigation after the court highlighted an unexplained increase of Rp 4.87 trillion in Nadiem's wealth.

"We are studying the issue," Attorney General's Office spokesman Anang Supriatna said on Thursday.

He said prosecutors and investigators are reviewing the court's reasoning before deciding whether to open a formal money-laundering case. Such an investigation could include tracing Nadiem's assets.

The court had ruled that while the Rp 4.87 trillion increase could not be treated as restitution in the corruption case, it could be investigated separately under Indonesia's anti-money-laundering law.

The Attorney General's Office also confirmed it has appealed the 10-year sentence, indicating prosecutors are seeking a tougher ruling than that imposed by the court.

Nadiem's legal team has likewise filed an appeal, arguing that the verdict ignored evidence presented during the trial and could set a dangerous precedent for private-sector executives who later serve in government.

Defense lawyer Ari Yusuf Amir said the decision risks criminalizing policy decisions connected to officials' previous business backgrounds.

The legal team also plans to file a complaint with the Judicial Commission, alleging that the panel of judges improperly disregarded evidence presented during the proceedings.

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