Appeal! The AGO Questions The State Loss Decision Of Only Rp180 Billion In Tom Lembong's Verdict

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has officially appealed the verdict of the panel of judges against former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong in the alleged corruption case of sugar imports. There are several reasons behind the submission, one of which is regarding the amount of state losses.

"The public prosecutor has also declared an appeal," said Head of the AGO, Anang Supriatna, quoted on Thursday, July 24.

The appeal was made on July 23, yesterday. One of the reasons is because of the difference in the value of state losses in the judge's decision.

It is known, in the verdict, the panel of judges stated that the value of the loss of the country due to imports of sugar was far below the figure charged.

"First, it may be related to state losses. From the public prosecutor, the state losses are around Rp515 billion, if I'm not mistaken. The panel continues to decide to consider around Rp180 billion or a hundred, how much," he said.

"This means that there is a temporary difference, we have confiscated up to Rp500 billion. That is one of the objects from the memorandum of appeal," continued Anang.

Meanwhile, Tom Lembong's camp has also officially filed an appeal. Thus, they were given two weeks to compile and submit an appeal memorandum.

After that, the file will be submitted to the Jakarta High Court for examination and trial at the appeal level.

Tom Lembong was found guilty in a corruption case of sugar importation for the 2015-2016 period. Thus, the panel of judges sentenced him to 4.5 years in prison

In addition to imprisonment, the panel of judges also imposed a fine on Tom Lembong. The value reaches Rp. 750 million.

The criminal fine was given on the condition that if it was not paid, it would be replaced with imprisonment for six months.