Makarim, the founder of Indonesian ride-hailing and tech giant Gojek, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Jakarta court on Monday in a graft case that has drawn widespread attention. The court also imposed a fine of 1 billion rupiah (about $64,000) and ordered him to return over 800 billion rupiah ($45 million) to the state, according to reports from Inside Retail Asia.
The case revolves around allegations that Makarim accepted bribes and engaged in corrupt practices related to government licensing and permits for Gojek's expansion. Prosecutors argued that the founder abused his influence to secure favorable treatment, while defense lawyers claimed the charges were politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on tech entrepreneurs. The verdict has sparked debate in Indonesia, with some hailing it as a win for anti-corruption efforts and others decrying it as selective justice.
Gojek, which operates in multiple Southeast Asian markets, has not publicly commented on the verdict. The company continues to operate normally, though the founder's imprisonment raises questions about governance and succession planning. Legal analysts expect Makarim to appeal the decision, which could prolong the legal battle for years.