Hamdan Zoelva Calls Pretrial Tom Lembong A Legal Bet In Indonesia

Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court or Constitutional Court, Hamdan Zoelva (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court or Constitutional Court, Hamdan Zoelva assessed that Tom Lembong's pretrial hearing regarding the alleged corruption case of sugar imports was a gamble on whether or not the law was enforced in Indonesia.

So, it is hoped that Judge Tumpanuli Marbun who tried the trial was independent and implicit.

"Don't let there be intervention. I believe Judge Tumpanuli is professional, independent and implicit," Hamdan told reporters, Friday, November 22.

With this bet, it is also hoped that the single pretrial judge Tom Lembong can fairly assess this case based on existing facts and evidence.

Apart from that, Hamdan argues that Tom Lembong does not deserve to be named a suspect. Of course, there are several reasons that underlie this opinion.

First, the evidence submitted by the Attorney General's Office was linked to the facts that were apparently considered not in accordance with the reality that happened at that time.

For example, the national sugar stock called the Attorney General's Office has a surplus. The facts that occur are actually a deficit so you have to import.

Then, regarding the importation decision. The policy, according to Hamdan, has been coordinated with other relevant ministries and agencies.

"So there is nothing wrong with the aspect of decision-making from the procedure side. Especially if you look at the unclear state losses," said Hamdan

Meanwhile, regarding the accusation of state losses of Rp. 400 billion due to the importation of sugar, Hamdan considered the allegations to be fabricated. This is because the determination of state losses is under the authority of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).

"So the determination of the suspect was too hasty. Then what happened?" he said. Hamdan.

Therefore, Hamdan reminded the Attorney General's Office so that the case involving Tom Lembong does not pollute the performance of the Attorney General's Office, which is being praised by the public.

"The public praises the Attorney General's Office for its performance in uncovering major cases. So don't let this unclear case pollute the positive performance that has been built," said Hamdan.