AGO Says Thomas Lembong Has Been Under Investigation Since Last Year
Jakarta. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) revealed that prosecutors have been investigating former Trade Minister Thomas Lembong over alleged illegal sugar imports since last year, before officially identifying him as a corruption suspect on Tuesday evening.
“We have been conducting this investigation since October 2023. It’s not a simple case,” said Abdul Qohar, the AGO’s Director of Criminal Investigation.
Thomas, who served as trade minister from 2015 to 2016 and later as head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) from 2016 to 2019 under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, has become an outspoken critic of the government since leaving the cabinet.
However, the senior prosecutor dismissed any claims that the case is politically motivated.
“Regardless of the individual, if we have compelling evidence against them, they will face charges,” Abdul said.
Thomas, 53, is accused of issuing an import permit for 105,000 tons of red sugar crystals in 2015 despite an existing domestic surplus, Abdul added. The permit was awarded to a private company, in violation to the government regulation.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
AGO Names New Suspect in MBG Corruption Probe
Prosecutors named a new suspect in a widening graft probe tied to BGN’s procurement of 25,000 electric motorbikes for the MBG program.
Prosecutors Name New Suspect in Free Meals Program Corruption Case
Prosecutors allege that the selection process for operators of the free meals program involved illegal payments and lacked transparency.
Seized McLarens, Art to Go on Auction at AGO May Fair
Indonesia will auction over 400 seized assets worth more than Rp 100 billion, including luxury cars and art.
N. Sumatra Videographer Case Raises Questions Over How Creative Ideas Are Priced
An Indonesian videographer appeals to parliament for justice, denying corruption charges in a case highlighting disputes over creative work.
Prosecutors Detain Coal Tycoon Samin Tan in Corruption Probe
Indonesia detains coal tycoon Samin Tan over alleged illegal mining tied to PT AKT, with prosecutors probing state losses and official links
Court Orders $31 Million Seizure in Online Gambling Case
Indonesia seized Rp530 billion from an online gambling network run for years through shell companies, prosecutors said.
Attorney General’s Office Raids Dozens of Locations in CPO Export Corruption Probe
AGO raids dozens of sites in CPO export graft probe, estimates state losses at up to Rp14 trillion.
Prosecutors Charge 11 Over Alleged CPO Export Scheme
Prosecutors have named 11 suspects in a crude palm oil export scheme that allegedly cost the state up to Rp 14 trillion.
Indonesian Prosecutors Reclaim $1.5 Billion in State Assets Last Year
Indonesia recovered Rp 24.7 trillion in state assets in 2025, though losses from corruption and money laundering remained far higher.
Prosecutors Recover Rp 19.6 Trillion in State Assets From Corruption Cases
The Attorney General's Office recovered $1.2 billion in state assets in 2025, while non-tax revenue reached 733% of the target.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Matias Galarza scored after 65 seconds as 10-man Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0, eliminating the Turks and securing first place for the US.Most Popular
