Indonesia jails ex-trade minister for 4.5 years over sugar graft case

Prosecutors said the permits caused state losses of almost 600 billion rupiah (£21 million). They had asked for a seven‑year term but the judges said Lembong did not take any money for himself, so they gave a shorter sentence.

The court also heard that in 2015 Indonesia produced 2.49 million tonnes of sugar while domestic use was 2.12 million tonnes, meaning there was no need for extra imports.

‘I may appeal’

Speaking after the verdict, Lembong raised his cuffed hands and said, “I will consider whether to appeal. The judges ignored my defence team,” Reuters quoted him as saying. His lawyer Ari Yusuf Amir did not reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Political backdrop

Lembong was trade minister in 2015‑16 under President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi. After leaving office he became a critic of the government and last year ran the election campaign of opposition candidate Anies Baswedan. The election was won in a landslide by Prabowo Subianto, backed by Jokowi.

Lembong was arrested days after Prabowo took office. In court he argued the case was politically driven. Prosecutors denied any political motive.

Court’s reasoning

The judges said Lembong granted the permits without consulting other state bodies and placed “capitalistic interests over social justice”. They ruled the process broke official rules even though he did not gain personally. Lembong now has the right to appeal to a higher court.

(With inputs from Reuters)