Archive · 18 Jul 2025
Indonesia Ex-Trade Minister Jailed for Sugar Import Corruption
An Indonesian court sentenced Thomas Lembong, a former trade minister, to 4.5 years in prison.
He was found guilty of improperly allowing sugar imports that led to financial losses for the country.
Lembong said the case was politically motivated because he was involved with the opposition.
The judges said he put private business ahead of the public good, but did not profit personally.
Lembong may appeal the decision.
Former Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Lembong was sentenced to 4.5 years in jail.
Lembong was found guilty of granting sugar import permits improperly.
The court stated the permits caused nearly 600 billion rupiah in state losses.
Lembong claimed his prosecution was politically motivated.
The court noted Lembong did not personally benefit from the actions.
- Who
- Thomas Lembong, former Indonesian Trade Minister, was sentenced by a court.
- What
- Thomas Lembong was sentenced to 4.5 years for improper sugar import permits.
- When
- Sentencing occurred recently.
- Where
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Why
- Lembong was found guilty of corruption for improperly granting sugar import permits which led to state losses.
Defense
Prosecution
Motive of Arrest
Defense
Lembong claimed the prosecution was politically motivated.
Prosecution
Prosecutors denied any political motivations behind the arrest.
- Defendant
- Thomas Lembong
- Position
- Former Trade Minister
- Sentence
- 4.5 years in jail
- Charge
- Improperly granting sugar import permits
- State Loss
- Nearly 600 billion rupiah
- Year of Sugar Surplus
- 2015
