A Jakarta court has sentenced former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong to four and a half years in prison for his role in a corruption case involving the unauthorized issuance of sugar import permits. The verdict, handed down by Judge Purwanto S. Abdullah at the country’s anti-corruption court, found Lembong guilty of violating procurement rules and causing substantial financial losses to the state.
“The defendant was proven legally and convincingly to be guilty of having committed a corruption act,” Judge Abdullah stated, according to Reuters. Prosecutors had sought a seven-year sentence, but the panel of judges issued a more lenient verdict after determining that Lembong had not personally profited from the scheme.
Unlawful Sugar Import Permits Cost State Billions
The case centers on permits Lembong issued during his tenure as Trade Minister in 2015–2016, under President Joko Widodo’s first term. Prosecutors argued that Lembong wrongfully allowed private firms to import sugar despite Indonesia producing more sugar than it consumed at the time — 2.49 million tonnes produced versus 2.12 million tonnes consumed.
This decision, they claimed, led to unnecessary imports and a loss of nearly 600 billion rupiah (approximately £21 million) to the state. The court ruled that Lembong’s actions bypassed proper consultation with other government bodies and placed “capitalistic interests over social justice,” violating established procurement and policy procedures.
A Political Undercurrent
Lembong’s legal team and political allies have called the case politically motivated. After serving as Trade Minister, Lembong became a vocal government critic and later led the 2024 presidential campaign for opposition candidate Anies Baswedan. Baswedan lost the election in a landslide to Prabowo Subianto, who was backed by President Jokowi.
Lembong was arrested just days after Prabowo assumed office, fueling speculation that his prosecution may have been influenced by political vendettas. In court, Lembong pointedly suggested the case was a form of political retaliation. Prosecutors have strongly denied any political motive.
‘I Will Consider an Appeal’
Moments after the verdict was read, Lembong appeared defiant, raising his cuffed hands before reporters and declaring, “I will consider whether to appeal. The judges ignored my defence team.” His lawyer, Ari Yusuf Amir, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Despite the sentencing, Lembong retains the right to appeal to a higher court.
A Broader Signal on Governance
The case adds another chapter to Indonesia’s ongoing battle against corruption within the highest levels of government. While the ruling acknowledged that Lembong did not receive personal financial gain, it emphasized the importance of procedural integrity and state accountability — particularly in sectors like food supply, which directly affect national welfare.
Observers note that the ruling sends a strong message about the government’s approach to policy violations, even as questions linger about the influence of political rivalries in judicial processes.
As Lembong weighs his next legal steps, the case continues to stir debate over the intersection of governance, justice, and political power in Indonesia’s evolving democracy.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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