Jakarta – After undergoing a lengthy legal process, former Minister of Trade Tom Lembong was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. The Central Jakarta Corruption Court handed down the ruling on Friday (July 18, 2025).
The panel of judges declared Tom Lembong guilty of committing a corruption offense as charged by the Public Prosecutor.
“Sentencing the defendant, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, to 4 years and 5 months of imprisonment,” said Chief Judge Dennie Arsan Fatrika while delivering the verdict.
Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Law and Criminology Lecturers, Dr. Edi Hasibuan, stated that the 4.5-year sentence was the result of a thorough legal process that went through all formal judicial stages.
“After considering all the evidence and facts on the ground, the judge reached a verdict. As academics, we respect the legal process that has taken place. We are confident this is purely a legal matter,” Edi said.
He further emphasized, “If anyone claims this is criminalization, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”
Edi went on to explain, “The ruling shows that the judiciary is functioning objectively, ensuring that every individual—without exception—is held accountable for actions that harm the state.”
Although the verdict has sparked both support and criticism, the public is encouraged to view it positively as a crucial step in upholding the rule of law.
“Let us all respect this legal process and view the verdict as fair and transparent,” Edi concluded.
