Tom Lembong Verdict Seen as Firm and Proportional, Expert: Legal Evidence Doesn’t Discriminate by Status
Jakarta – The Central Jakarta Corruption Court (Tipikor) has sentenced former Minister of Trade, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, to 4 years and 6 months in prison in the case involving the import of Raw Crystal Sugar (GKM). The verdict is being hailed as clear proof that Indonesia’s justice system operates impartially, regardless of one’s position.
“Sentencing the defendant, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, to 4 years and 6 months in prison,” stated Chief Judge Dennie Arsan Fatrika as he delivered the ruling on Friday (July 18).
The panel of judges concluded that Tom was guilty of committing a corruption offense in granting import licenses for GKM, which resulted in state financial losses and benefited several private companies.
Associate Judge Alfis Setyawan emphasized that Tom Lembong’s import policy lacked prudence.
“The defendant’s approval of GKM importation reflected a failure to act carefully in the face of dwindling sugar supplies and soaring prices since early 2016,” Alfis said.
The judge also highlighted Tom’s weak oversight of market operations carried out by INKOPKAR and the absence of inter-ministerial coordination in shaping import policy.
“Sugar imports are not just about supply for processing factories—they must also consider the needs of end consumers and sugarcane farmers,” he added.
The verdict received support from legal expert Dr. Edi Hasibuan, who viewed it as a strong signal that the integrity of Indonesia’s judiciary remains intact.
“This sentence is the result of a lawful and thorough judicial process, reaffirming that even individuals in high-ranking positions are not immune to the law,” Edi stated.
According to Edi, although Tom did not personally profit from the policy, the elements of a corruption offense were still met due to the financial losses incurred by the state.
“This decision demonstrates that the justice system relies on facts and evidence—not on public sympathy or popular opinion,” he added.
Though lighter than the sentence demanded by the prosecution, the ruling has been welcomed by the public as a sign of consistent law enforcement.
Tom Lembong was also fined IDR 750 million, or six months’ imprisonment as a subsidiary punishment. However, he was not ordered to pay restitution, as he did not personally benefit from the corrupt act.
The panel of judges further noted that Tom had neglected the principles of economic justice and failed to uphold the principle of accountability in his policy decisions.
