Tom Lembong Sugar Corruption Case, AGO Examines Former Ministry Of SOEs Officials

South Jakarta District Court single judge Tumpanuli Marbun in the trial of Tom Lembong's pretrial lawsuit, Tuesday (26/11/2024). (DOK. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Attorney General's Office (AGO) continues to investigate allegations of corruption in sugar imports with the suspect Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong. Most recently, investigators examined one witness, namely a former official at the Ministry of SOEs.

"The witness who was examined had the initials MZ as Deputy for Agro and Pharmacy Industry Business at the Ministry of SOEs from 2015 to 2016," said Head of the AGO, Harli Siregar in his statement, Saturday, November 30.

However, it was not explained what the investigators examined from the witness. Only the examination took place on Friday, November 29, yesterday.

In addition, it was also emphasized that the current series of examinations were to strengthen the evidence of alleged corruption in sugar imports at the Ministry of Trade.

"The witness examination was carried out to strengthen the evidence and complete the filing in the case," said Harli.

In the case of alleged corruption in sugar imports, Tom Lembong was named a suspect because he allowed the import of 105 thousand tons of sugar to private companies. The permit was issued while serving as Minister of Trade for the 2015 to 2016 period.

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

Tom Lembong was charged with Article 2 Paragraph 1 or Article 3 Juncto Article 18 of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 as amended by Law Number 20 of 2021 Juncto Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Amendments to Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 31 of 1999 concerning Corruption Crimes Juncto Article 55 Paragraph 1 to 1 of the Criminal Procedure Code.