Tom Lembong Undergoing Another Questioning at the Attorney General's Office Today

Tom Lembong, also known as Thomas Trikasih Lembong, a suspect in a sugar import corruption case, was once again questioned by the investigators of the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office (AGO).

Interrogation at AGO Building

• Date and Time: Friday, November 1, 2024, around 09:58 AM local time.

• Location: Gedung Kartika, AGO, South Jakarta.

• Attire: Tom arrived in a prison vehicle, handcuffed, wearing a green shirt covered with a pink vest marked “Kejagung detainee.”

• Belongings: He carried a book and some documents in hand.

• Interaction: Despite questions from the media, Tom remained silent and proceeded to the examination room without commenting.

Confirmation by AGO Spokesperson

• Spokesperson: Harli Siregar, Head of Public Information Bureau of AGO.

• Statement: Harli confirmed Tom Lembong’s interrogation but did not disclose further details regarding the questioning subject.

• Clarification: The specifics of the examination were stated to be known only by the investigators.

Case Background

• Year: The alleged corruption case dates back to 2015-2016.

• Total Suspects: Besides Tom Lembong, the case also ensnared Charles Sitorus, former Director of Business Development at PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PT PPI).

• Key Terms:

• GKM (raw crystal sugar) and GKR (refined crystal sugar): Used for production.

• GKP (white crystal sugar): Directly consumable.

• Official Regulations:

• As per regulations signed by Tom Lembong during his tenure as Minister of Trade, only State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) were allowed to import GKP, based on domestic needs agreed upon in inter-ministerial coordination meetings to control availability and price stability.

Allegations

• Misconduct: Instead of allowing BUMN to import GKP during a shortage in 2016, Tom allegedly permitted private companies to import GKM, which was then processed into GKP.

• Collaboration: PT PPI was tasked, under Tom’s approval, to work with several private companies to convert imported GKM into GKP, which was then allegedly sold at over Rp 3,000 higher than the highest retail price to the public.

• Financial Impact: The state incurred losses of approximately Rp 400 billion due to the profit gained by private companies, which should have belonged to the state.

Authorities are investigating the case to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption in the sugar import scheme.