Investigators at the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (JAM-Pidsus) at the Attorney General’s Office have not revealed any evidence of the flow of money received by former 2015-2016 Trade Minister Thomas Lembong. Nevertheless, he has been named a suspect in the alleged sugar import corruption case since Tuesday (29/10).
The Director of JAM-Pidsus Investigations at the Attorney General’s Office, Abdul Qohar, explained that proof of receipt of money is not always needed to determine someone as a suspect in a corruption case like Tom Lembong. Moreover, his party used Articles 2 and 3 of the Corruption Crime Law as a basis for suspecting Tom Lembong.
“In order to be named a suspect, someone doesn’t have to have access to funds. It’s clear there, Article 2 and Article 3,” explained Qohar at the Attorney General’s Office Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (31/10).
These two articles, he continued, have a number of elements, namely that every person who unlawfully enriches themselves, another person, or a corporation that harms state finances is subject to criminal penalties. Based on this regulation, Qohar emphasized that a person does not need to make a profit to be named a suspect.
“When he fulfills the elements that he is benefiting other people or corporations, as a result of unlawful acts, as a result of abusing the authority he has, because of his position, he can be held criminally responsible,” he concluded. (Tri/M-4)
#evidence #flow #money #Attorney #General #suspects #Tom #Lembong
**Exclusive Interview with Thomas Lembong**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Lembong. In light of the current trade dynamics, what is your perspective on how developing countries should navigate through the ongoing trade war?
**Thomas Lembong:** Thank you for having me. The trade conflict has posed significant challenges, but it also presents opportunities. Developing countries should focus on diversifying their markets and strengthening internal production capabilities. It’s essential to reduce reliance on any single economy.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like sound advice. Can you delve deeper into specific strategies that you believe are effective for these nations?
**Thomas Lembong:** Certainly. First, investing in infrastructure is vital. It enhances supply chain efficiencies. Next, fostering bilateral and multilateral trade agreements can open new markets and reduce the impact of tariffs. Lastly, it’s crucial for countries to enhance their digital economy initiatives, as tech plays a pivotal role in modern trade.
**Interviewer:** With so many variables in play, how can these countries ensure they’re making the right decisions?
**Thomas Lembong:** Data and research are key. Developing countries need to invest in analytical capabilities to understand trade trends and potential impacts on their economies. Additionally, they should engage local stakeholders in discussions to ensure that policies reflect the ground realities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Lembong, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that a strategic approach can help navigate these tumultuous times.
**Thomas Lembong:** My pleasure. It’s a challenging landscape, but with the right strategies, developing countries can turn these challenges into growth opportunities.
