JAKARTA, Indonesia: Former Indonesian Trade Minister, Thomas Lembong, appeared in court on Thursday for the first hearing of his corruption trial.
He is facing charges related to sugar imports that allegedly caused a financial loss to the state of up to IDR578.15 billion (approximately USD37.3 million or RM164.5 million).
Thomas is accused of breaching several laws concerning food, trade, and farmer protection, with prosecutors citing his role in sugar imports during the 2015-2016 period.
As stated by the prosecutor in the open court session, which was broadcast on television, these imports allegedly contravened national trade policies and food security regulations.
The imports are said to have resulted in an oversupply of sugar, causing domestic prices to fall and adversely affecting local farmers.
Sugar is a regulated commodity in Indonesia, and imports should have been managed with careful consideration on domestic production levels and price stability.
After hearing the charges, Thomas’ legal team filed a formal objection.
Former Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan, was also present at the trial, stating that he attended as a friend of Thomas. – BERNAMA (Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar)
