The Decision Of The Leader To Be One Of Tom Lembong's Basis To Be A Suspect

JAKARTA - Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong said that the Attorney General's Office (AGO) investigators had conveyed that his determination as a suspect was based on several things, one of which was the leadership's decision.

This statement was made by Tom Lembong when he was presented online at the trial of the pretrial lawsuit in the alleged corruption case of sugar impotation at the Ministry of Trade for the period 2015 to 2016.

"No, it is not clear whether the problem conveyed is only in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code, the basis for evidence and the decision of my leadership to be named a suspect," said Tom Lembong, Thursday, November 21.

However, according to him, investigators have never conveyed or explained in detail about the problems that are currently happening. Either, during the examination at the investigation or investigation stage.

"It was not explained in detail," said Tom Lembong.

With this ignorance, Tom Lembong still feels confused by the alleged corruption case against him.

He was surprised when investigators said he had been named a suspect.

"It is certain (shoke or surprised when named a suspect)," said Tom Lembong.

In the case of alleged corruption in sugar imports, Tom Lembong is considered to have violated the law for allowing 105 thousand tons of sugar imports to private companies. The permit was issued while serving as Minister of Trade for the 2015 to 2016 period.

Tom Lembong's decision violates the Decree of the Minister of Trade Number 527 of 2004. Because, in that regulation, only state-owned companies are allowed to import sugar.

Tom Lembong was charged with Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 Juncto Article 18 of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2021 Juncto Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Amendments to Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Corruption Crimes Juncto Article 55 Paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code.