Tom Lembong Asks Other Ex-Minister Of Trade To Be Examined, Judge: Outside Pretrial, Cannot Conclude Criminalization Or Politicization

Tom Lembong/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - The sole judge of the South Jakarta District Court, Tumpanuli Marbun, said that the request for the Thomas Trikasih Lembong camp alias Tom Lembong to examine several former Trade Ministers (Mendag) was not the realm or pretrial material.

Tom Lembong is known to have stated that the process of determining the numbers in the alleged corruption case of sugar imports was invalid because he was no longer serving as Minister of Trade on July 27, 2016 or before the alleged corruption occurred. Tom requested that the other former Trade Minister be investigated.

The reason for the request was also due to the letter of determination of the suspect issued by the Director of Investigation of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes number 60, the object of investigation in the alleged corruption case of sugar importation at the Ministry of Trade occurred for the 2015-2023 period.

"According to the pretrial judge, the reason was outside the pretrial material and was fully handed over to the respondent as an investigator," said Judge Tumpanuli during a trial at the South Jakarta District Court, Tuesday, November 26.

In addition, Judge Tumpanuli also stated that he could not conclude that the alleged corruption case involving Tom Lembong was a form of criminalization. This is because the pretrial trial only tests administrative requirements for handling cases.

"The pretrial judge cannot conclude whether the case experienced by the applicant is a form of criminalization or politicization," said Judge Tumpanuli.

Meanwhile, the judge rejected the pretrial lawsuit filed by Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong regarding the alleged corruption case of sugar imports for the 2015-2016 period.

Tom Lembong is known to have sued his determination as a suspect and detention because he was deemed invalid.

"Rejected the applicant's pretrial application in its entirety," said Judge Tumpanuli during a trial at the South Jakarta District Court, Tuesday, November 26.

With this decision, the determination of the suspect against Tom Lembong by the Attorney General's Office (AGO) investigators is considered legal and follows the applicable rules.

In addition, in his decision, Tom Lembong will be charged with zero court fees. Then, asked to remain in detention.