The Indonesian Attorney General’s Office Affirms Tom Lembong’s Legal Process Was Transparent and Fair

Jakarta – The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) affirmed that the verdict against former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong in the sugar import corruption case was the result of a legitimate and transparent legal process. Lembong was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for negligence in the issuance of raw crystal sugar (GKM) import permits in 2015–2016.

The Head of the Attorney General’s Office’s Legal Information Center, Anang Supriatna, stated that the trial was conducted fairly. The defendant has the right to appeal if dissatisfied with the verdict, within seven days of the verdict being read on July 18, 2025.

“In our opinion, the trial was conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with human rights principles. If you are dissatisfied with the verdict, please file an appeal,” Anang said.

Anang asked the public to respect the legal process and not to politically manipulate this case.

“This judicial process must be respected. It is not the executive branch’s domain to interfere,” he emphasized.

LEMKAPI Executive Director, Dr. Edi Saputra Hasibuan, supported the Prosecutor’s Office’s statement by emphasizing that Tom Lembong’s verdict was the result of a lengthy and multi-layered legal process.

“This is not a spur-of-the-moment case. There was an inquiry, a trial, and a public trial involving legal evidence,” he said.

Edi considered the accusation that Tom was a victim of criminalization baseless and potentially misleading public opinion.

“The judge will certainly decide based on legal facts. If this is called criminalization, then where is the evidence to refute it? Everything will be openly tested in court,” he said.

Furthermore, Edi urged the public to remain objective in responding to the verdict. “This is purely a legal issue. Don’t drag public opinion into a misleading narrative. We must maintain judicial independence,” he said.

In the verdict, member judge Alfis Setyawan stated that Tom Lembong was deemed careless in granting import permits amidst the critical national sugar stock and soaring prices.

“Imports cannot be viewed solely from an industrial perspective, but also from an impact on the community and sugarcane farmers,” he said.

Furthermore, Tom was deemed negligent in overseeing the market operations managed by the implementing cooperative.

Edi also warned the public not to fall prey to misleading framing that could disrupt the course of justice.**