Tom Lembong: This Liberation Is Not Only Physical But Restores Good Name And Honor

Tom Lembong/PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

JAKARTA - Former Minister of Trade (Mendag) Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong said that the abolition given by President Prabowo Subianto was not just a physical release but had restored his good name.

This was conveyed by Tom Lembong after officially breathing free air after serving 9 months in detention related to the corruption case of sugar imports at the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag).

"This not only frees me physically but also restores my good name and my honor as a citizen," Tom said in front of reporters, Friday, August 1.

Therefore, Tom Lembong expressed his gratitude to Prabowo for using his prerogative. Even to the chairman and members of the DPR who have agreed.

"I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, for giving a setra abolition to the leadership and members of the people's representative council for their consideration and approval," he said.

The awarding of the abolition, continued Tom, was not an easy decision and was full of deep consideration. Therefore, the former Trade Minister highly appreciates and respects it.

Not only that, giving an abolition to him is undeniable to raise many questions in society. However, once again all these opinions will be respected.

"I also respect that view, because from the start I felt that what I was going through was not part of an ideal legal process," said Tom Lembong.

The DPR previously approved President's letter number R43/Pres072025 dated July 30, 2025 regarding a request for consideration from the DPR for granting an abolition on behalf of Tom Lembong's brother.

"Abolition of Tom Lembong. Pres number R43/Pres 07 2025 dated July 30, 2025, on the consideration of the DPR RI's approval of giving an abolition to Tom Lembong's brother," said Dasco.

Abolition is the elimination or elimination of a criminal event. This term is contained in Article 14 of the 1945 Constitution which regulates the prerogative or privilege of the president by taking into account the considerations of the DPR.