Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong, or Tom Lembong, expresses concerns over the 4.5-year prison sentence handed down by the Jakarta Corruption Court on him in connection with a sugar importation case, claiming that it disregards his ministerial authority.

“It’s strange to me that the panel of judges sidelined my authority as Minister of Trade,” Lembong said after the verdict was read on Friday, July 18, 2025.

He argued that the court ignored most of the trial’s key facts, especially testimonies from expert witnesses, who asserted that the authority to regulate the trade of essential goods lies with the technical minister − in this case the Minister of Trade − not with coordinating ministers or inter-ministerial forums.

“The judges ignored nearly all the evidence presented during trial, particularly expert and witness statements confirming that only the technical minister holds the authority − not the coordinating minister, nor coordination meetings among ministers,” he said.

He pointed out a critical aspect of the ruling: the judges did not find any mens rea, or criminal intent, in his actions. This point, he noted, remained consistent from the indictment through to the final verdict.

“From the charges to the sentencing, the panel never stated that I had criminal intent. There was no mention of mens rea. What they ruled on was simply an accusation that I violated regulations,” Lembong cited.

The former minister was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison and fined Rp750 million (US$46,000), with a subsidiary penalty of 6 months' imprisonment if the fine is not paid. The sentence is lighter than the 7-year prison term sought by the prosecutors

Lembong’s legal team is expected to file an appeal in the coming days, as public debate grows over whether the court’s decision adequately reflects legal procedure and ministerial accountability in state policy execution.