Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison, SYL: Leader Risk

Former Minister of Agriculture, Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL after undergoing a trial at the Central Jakarta District Court, Monday, June 3. (Rizky A-VOI)

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo or SYL said the 10-year prison sentence handed down by the panel of judges against him was considered a risk of office and as a leader.

SYL made this statement after the panel of judges closed the trial of reading the verdict on the alleged extortion and acceptance of gratuities held at the Jakarta Corruption Court, Thursday, July 11.

"That what happened today to me, this is what the consequences of my position are, this is my leadership responsibility," said SYL.

The big risk must be accepted gracefully. However, the Ministry of Agriculture under its leadership has met national food needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In order to meet the availability of food, in order to implement Indonesia's food affordability in COVID conditions," he said.

"This is a leadership risk, this is a risk from the position of a discretion and the position I take, I will be responsible for it, it's fair, friends of the press, I will be responsible for this, and I will face this as well as possible," continued SYL.

Not to forget, SYL also expressed his gratitude to President Joko Widodo for appointing him as Minister of Agriculture and opening up opportunities to take strategic policies to deal with the threat of a food crisis.

"I thank Pak Jokowi for revealing the opportunity as a minister, whatever the result of this policy, the risk of office for me," said SYL.

SYL was found guilty in the case of extortion and acceptance of gratuities within the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). Thus, the panel of judges sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

"Syahrul Yasin Limpo was sentenced to 10 years in prison," said Hakin, Chairman of Rianto Adam Pontoh.

Not only prison witnesses, but the panel of judges also imposed a fine of Rp. 300 million. If SYL does not have the ability, it will be replaced with imprisonment for 4 months.

SYL is believed to have violated Article 12 letter e in conjunction with Article 18 of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Eradication of Corruption in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st Criminal Code (KUHP) in conjunction with Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code