As A Suspect, Tom Lembong Allows 105 Thousand Tons Of Sugar Imports To Private Companies

Thomas Lembong/DOK VIA BETWEEN HO

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has named the former Minister of Trade (Mendag, Thomas Trikasih Lembong or Tom Lembong as suspects in the alleged corruption case of sugar imports. His role is to grant import permits to private companies.

The Director of Investigation of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) at the AGO, Abdul Qohar, said that the permit was issued when there was no crisis or lack of stock.

"Brother TTL has given permission to import 105 thousand tons of raw crystal sugar to PT AP," Qohar told reporters, Tuesday, October 29.

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

"But based on the import approval issued by the suspect TTL, the import of sugar was carried out by PT AP," he said.

In fact, Tom Lembong is said to unilaterally make the decision. This is because it does not coordinate with other ministries to ensure the availability of sugar stocks.

"And the import of crystal sugar does not go through a coordination meeting with related agencies and without a recommendation from the Ministry of Industry to find out the real needs of sugar in the country," said Qohar.