Nadiem Makarim, the Gojek founder and former Indonesian education minister, is under scrutiny for a questionable laptop deal. And what does the mainstream media do? They obfuscate and spin this into the usual narrative about government corruption versus innovative entrepreneurship. CNN and the likes will either paint Makarim as the tech-savvy hero or the villain to harangue, while conveniently ignoring the core issue: accountability.

Let’s not kid ourselves here. This isn’t just about a laptop; it’s about a systemic failure to hold powerful individuals accountable. While outlets like The New York Times may sensationalize the story, they fail to question why a tech entrepreneur turned politician has suddenly found himself embroiled in this particular scandal. Could it be that he who plays with the big boys in both tech and politics has to dance to their tune?

Meanwhile, you’ll hear whispers about transparency and integrity from outlets that are more concerned with maintaining relationships with powerful elites than actually serving the public interest. Fox News might blare “cronyism” and “mismanagement,” while glossing over the broader implications: if you play in the political arena, you better be prepared for the consequences.

As much as the establishment wants to flip the narrative on Makarim, we must demand the real story: how does a laptop deal tie back to a larger context of corruption in government institutions? Looking for answers? Don’t expect them to show up on your favorite mainstream outlet anytime soon.