An Indonesian court has sentenced former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong to 4.5 years in prison for improperly issuing sugar import permits that resulted in state losses of nearly 600 billion rupiah (approximately $36.84 million).
Lembong, who served under President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) from 2015 to 2016, was found guilty of granting import licenses to private firms at a time when Indonesia had a sugar surplus—2.49 million metric tons produced versus 2.12 million consumed in 2015. The court stated that the permits were issued without proper consultation with other government bodies and prioritized private, capitalistic interests over public welfare.
While prosecutors had sought a seven-year sentence, the court reduced the term, noting that Lembong did not personally profit from the scheme. However, judges emphasized that his actions still facilitated corruption by benefiting private companies.
Lembong, who had turned into a vocal critic of the government after his term, was arrested shortly after the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto, Jokowi’s preferred successor. During the 2024 presidential election, Lembong served as the campaign manager for opposition candidate Anies Baswedan, raising speculation about political motivations behind his arrest—a claim denied by prosecutors.
Speaking to reporters after the sentencing, Lembong, in handcuffs, said he would consider appealing the verdict, stating that the court had ignored his defense team. His lawyer, Ari Yusuf Amir, has not yet responded to media inquiries.
