21/7/2025–|Last update: 09:53 (Mecca time)
An Indonesian court sentenced a former Minister of Commerce, 4 and a half years in prison, to give him illegal import permits, and the authorities said that they had caused state losses approximately 600 billion rupees (more than $ 36 million).
Thomas Trekasie Limbong held the position of Minister of Commerce in 2015 and 2016 during the era of President Goku Widodo. After being considered a close assistant to Ledodo, Limbong became one of the most critical government.
The Jakarta Court of Corruption judges said that Limpong – as a minister – is guilty of illegally importing sugar import permits to private companies, while a surplus of sugar in the country.
Indonesia’s production of sugar was 2.49 million tons in 2015, while consumption was 2.12 million tons.
In the presidential elections last year, Limbong was the director of the campaign of candidate Anis Baswaidan. Brabu Sobanto – who supported Widodo – won the elections with an overwhelming majority.
Local media reported that Limpong – who was arrested days after Brabu’s inauguration last year – claimed before the court that his trial came because of his affiliation with the opposition camp. The prosecution denied that his detention was on political motives.
The judge said amid cries of booing from the attendees: “It has been proven that the accused is legally condemned and convincingly to commit a crime of corruption.”
Before pronouncing the ruling, the judges argued that import permits were not subject to the necessary legal procedures for consulting with other government agencies, and that he “gave priority to capitalist interests on social justice.”
However, the judges said that it did not arouse, which led to the reducing the sentence of 7 years, which was called by the prosecution, which he said that Limpong enriched private companies.
After pronouncing the ruling, Limbong told reporters – raising his hand -handed hands – that he would look at the appeal or not, stressing that the judges ignored his defense team.