Tom Lembong Verdict Legally Valid, Expert Urges Public to Beware of Criminalization Narrative
Jakarta – The Executive Director of the Indonesian Police Strategic Studies Institute (LEMKAPI), Dr. Drs. Edi Saputra Hasibuan, S.H., M.H., asserted that the 4.5-year prison sentence handed down to former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong is in accordance with the legal facts revealed during the trial process.
He urged the public not to be easily swayed by provocative narratives claiming that Tom is a victim of criminalization.
“This was a long legal process, not sudden. It went through investigation, inquiry, and courtroom verification stages,” Edi said.
According to Edi, the judges carefully considered all the evidence and facts before reaching their decision. He called on the public to respect the legal process and avoid being misled by deceptive opinions.
“We must respect the legal process. This is not criminalization. Let’s uphold the law objectively and maturely,” he added.
This statement comes amid a growing narrative on social media suggesting that Tom Lembong was politically targeted rather than being responsible for an administrative or policy failure.
Previously, the Jakarta Corruption Court panel of judges found that Tom Lembong had demonstrated negligence in granting a raw sugar (GKM) import license to PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI).
At the time, domestic sugar stocks were limited and prices were soaring.
“Granting approval for raw sugar imports to be processed into white crystal sugar (GKP) under a government assignment to PT PPI reflected a lack of prudence on the part of the defendant as Minister of Trade,” said presiding judge Alfis Setyawan during the verdict reading.
The judge also highlighted that the import policy was made without cross-ministerial coordination and failed to seriously consider its impact on sugarcane farmers and consumers.
“Import decisions should not only benefit sugar factories but must also consider the welfare of the public and farmers,” Alfis emphasized.
This verdict serves as a vital reminder that legal proceedings must be upheld with maturity, and misleading provocations targeting public perception should be treated with caution.*
