Former Trade Minister, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, was recently grilled by the Attorney General’s Office in connection with alleged corruption surrounding sugar imports during the years 2015 and 2016.
The investigation lasted for approximately 10 hours and centered around a series of policy letters related to sugar imports. Lembong’s legal counsel, Ari Yusuf Amir, explained that these letters were primarily focused on approvals for sugar importation and represented part of an ongoing process that adhered to established procedures.
Amir emphasized that all decisions, including those documented in these letters, were meticulously communicated and reported to relevant stakeholders, including the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. He asserts that the entire process has been transparent and meticulously followed the established protocols.
According to Amir, Lembong, who assumed office following his predecessor, relied on previous ministerial directives and consulted closely with his team, ensuring continuity in policies.
Lembong, confident in his actions, maintains that he acted according to principles of good governance and received no financial benefits or inducements in connection with these import decisions. He expressed his bewilderment over being held in custody despite adhering to the law.
The Sugar Import Controversy
This case centers around allegations of corruption involving sugar imports during a period of national sugar shortages. The government had stipulated that state-owned enterprises (BUMN) be the sole importers of refined sugar, intended for direct consumption, and that imports should be strictly aligned with domestic needs and conducted in consultation with relevant ministries.
It is alleged that instead of authorizing BUMNs to import the refined sugar directly, Lembong, consent to the importation of raw sugar by smaller, privately-owned companies.
This import was supposedly facilitated through PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PT PPI) in a scheme where PT PPI appeared to purchase the refined sugar from these private companies, significantly inflating its cost. which then transported the now-refined sugar to the market selling it for a hefty markup above the official retail price.
The Attorney General estimates that this scheme cost the country an estimated Rp 400 billion (over US$27 million) in lost revenue.
This case has placed Lembong under scrutiny, raising questions about the handling of essential commodities and the potential for abuse of power within the government.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ari Yusuf Amir, Legal Counsel for Thomas Trikasih Lembong
Editor: Good morning, Mr. Amir. Thank you for joining us today. The recent investigation involving your client, former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, has raised quite a bit of attention in the media. Can you give us an overview of the situation and how Lembong has approached this inquiry?
Ari Yusuf Amir: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Certainly. The investigation by the Attorney General’s Office focuses on allegations of corruption regarding sugar imports that occurred in 2015 and 2016. Lembong was summoned for questioning, which lasted about ten hours, primarily concerning policy letters related to sugar importation. It’s important to note that these letters were part of a structured and ongoing process governed by established procedures.
Editor: That sounds like a lengthy process. What specific points did the investigation center on during this extensive questioning?
Ari Yusuf Amir: The emphasis was on the approvals for sugar importation as documented in those policy letters. Lembong followed the necessary protocols and communicated all decisions regarding these imports to relevant stakeholders, including the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. Our stance is that everything was transparent and aligned with existing ministerial directives.
Editor: Transparency is certainly critical in government operations. Can you elaborate on how Lembong’s actions adhered to these established protocols?
Ari Yusuf Amir: Absolutely. When Lembong assumed office, he inherited specific directives that were already in place by his predecessor. He worked closely with his team and ensured that all processes were followed meticulously. The decisions made concerning sugar importation were not unilateral; they were the result of collaborative discussions and were consistently updated to the stakeholders involved.
Editor: It seems that you are emphasizing Lembong’s adherence to established procedures. How confident are you that this investigation will lead to a resolution in his favor?
Ari Yusuf Amir: We are very confident. The evidence that will be presented supports Lembong’s position that all actions taken were compliant with legal and administrative norms. Our aim is to ensure that the investigation focuses on facts rather than conjecture. Lembong has always been committed to upholding integrity in his role, and we’re optimistic that he will be cleared of these allegations.
Editor: In light of this situation, what implications do you believe this investigation has for future policymaking and administrative transparency in Indonesia?
Ari Yusuf Amir: This inquiry serves as a significant reminder about the importance of transparency in policymaking. It underscores the necessity for clear communication and documentation throughout the process. I believe it will encourage future policymakers to reinforce these protocols, ensuring that decisions made are fully accountable and open to scrutiny. This can ultimately strengthen public trust in government operations.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Amir. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for policymakers down the line. We appreciate your time today and wish you and Mr. Lembong the best as you navigate this process.
Ari Yusuf Amir: Thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify these matters, and I share your hope for a positive outcome.