Tom Lembong Highlights 4.5-Year-Old Sentence: Judge Declares No Intentions

The former Minister of Trade (Mendag), Thomas Trikasih Lembong, Tom Lembong's eyebrows. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Trade (Mendag), Thomas Trikasih Lembong eyebrows Tom Lembong highlighted the judge's verdict which stated that he had no malicious intentions in the sugar import corruption case.

It is known that the panel of judges imposed a prison sentence of 4.5 years and a fine of Rp. 750 million in this case.

According to him, this matter is the most important thing of all decisions read out by the panel of judges at the trial which took place at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Friday, July 18.

"The first most important thing is that the legal assembly does not state any malicious intent from me. There is no such thing as a mens rea. I think that is the most important thing," Tom Lembong told reporters quoted on Saturday, July 19.

In fact, Tom Lembong also stated that since the indictment was read out by the Public Prosecutor (JPU), not a single sentence has touched on evil intentions.

In the decision, the panel of judges only stated that there was a violation of the rules in the process of importing sugar policies.

"From the time of the indictment to the decision of the panel, there was never any malicious intent. There was never a mens rea. What they were sentenced was the accusation that I violated the rules," he said.

Apart from that, Tom felt awkward with the judge's decision. Because, it has ruled out the authority of the Minister of Trade to regulate governance

"odd or strange for me, the panel ruled out my authority as Minister of Trade. I think laws, government regulations, all related provisions provide a mandate to the Minister of Trade to regulate governance, including trading in the most important basic commodities. And I saw earlier, I noted carefully, carefully, the panel actually ignored that I have the authority, "said Tom Lembong.

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.

"Sentenced the defendant Thomas Trikasih Lembong to imprisonment for 4 years and 6 months," said judge Dannie Arsan.

In the verdict, Tom Lembong's actions were deemed 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 and supplemented by Law Number 20 of 2001 in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code.