Tom Lembong Doesn't Feel Guilty, So Considerations Behind 7 Years In Prison

Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong after undergoing trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Thursday, March 6. (Rizky A-VOI)

JAKARTA - The Public Prosecutor (JPU) assessed that the former Minister of Trade (Mendag) Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong felt innocent about his actions in the alleged corruption case of sugar importation at the Ministry of Trade for the 2015'2016 period.

This is also a burdensome consideration for the prosecutor in making or compiling charges for seven years in prison against Tom Lembong.

"The defendant did not feel guilty and did not regret his actions," said the prosecutor reading out the charges in a trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday, July 4.

In addition, Tom Lembong's actions also do not support government programs in the context of organizing a clean and free country from corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Meanwhile, for mitigating matters, the prosecutor considered Tom Lembong who had never been convicted.

Not only imprisonment, Tom Lembong was also charged with a fine of Rp. 750 million. With the provision that if it is not paid, it will be replaced with a body preparation for 6 months.

"Imposing a fine to the defendant of 750 million. With the provision that if the fine is not paid, it will be replaced with imprisonment for 6 months," said the prosecutor.

In this case, the prosecutor charged Thomas Lembong with being responsible for state losses of Rp515 billion from the total state loss of Rp578 billion in the sugar import activity.

Thus, Tom Lembong is considered to have violated Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 in conjunction with Article 18 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2001 concerning Amendments to Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.