INVESTIGATORS Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (JAM-Pidsus) The Attorney General’s Office will carry out further investigations into a number of Trade Ministers who served after Thomas Trikasih Lembong regarding the sugar import case. However, currently the focus of the investigation is still aimed at Tom Lembong.
JAM-Pidsus Investigation Director Abdul Qohar reminded that the determination of the suspect in this case was only carried out two days ago. According to him, the Roundhouse investigators are still investigating the two suspects who have been identified, namely Tom Lembong and Charles Sitorus as Director of Business Development at PT Perusahaan Dagang Indonesia.
“In the case related to sugar, it was only yesterday that a suspect was named, of course investigators are continuing to carry out further investigations,” said Qohar at the AGO Complex, Jakarta, Thursday (31/10).
Nevertheless, Qohar confirmed that in the future an in-depth investigation of this case in the era of ministers after Tom Lembong would be carried out. Tom is known to have only served as Minister of Trade from 2015-2016. After that, he served as Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
“In the future, it is possible that over time we will go there, OK (Minister of Trade) after Tom Lembong, Patience. So since we named Mr. Tom Lembong as a suspect, now we are focusing there,” he explained.
After Tom Lembong, the next Ministers of Trade in President Joko Widodo’s cabinet were Enggartiasto Lukita, Agus Suparmanto, Muhammad Luthfi, and Zulkifli Hasan. (Tri/I-2)
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**Interview: Exploring the Recent Sugar Import Scandal in Indonesia**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on pressing news matters. Today, we have with us Dr. Rini Hartono, a political analyst and expert on Indonesian governance, to discuss the recent sugar import scandal that has shaken the country’s political landscape. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hartono.
**Dr. Hartono:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for Indonesian politics, and I’m glad to be here to shed some light on it.
**Host:** So, as we know, Indonesia’s investigation into the sugar import scandal has resulted in the arrest of former Trade Minister, Thomas Trikasih Lembong, along with an extensive inquiry involving over 90 witnesses. What are the main implications of this case for Indonesia?
**Dr. Hartono:** This scandal raises significant concerns about corruption within government institutions. With over 90 witnesses giving testimonies, it showcases the scale of the investigation and suggests deeply rooted issues in trade management. The implications could set a precedent for accountability among government officials, which is critical in improving public trust.
**Host:** Definitely. Reports indicate that the Attorney General’s Office is also focusing on other Trade Ministers who served after Lembong. How broad do you think this investigation might become, and what roles might those officials play?
**Dr. Hartono:** It’s likely the investigation will widen further. If officials succeeding Lembong are implicated, it could unveil a systematic issue tied to policy decisions affecting sugar imports. This could mean that several former ministers may face scrutiny, leading to a comprehensive review of trading policies that could facilitate preventative measures against such corruption in the future.
**Host:** In your opinion, how should the Indonesian government respond to ensure public trust is restored after such scandals?
**Dr. Hartono:** Transparency is key. The government should provide regular updates on the investigation and establish clear lines of accountability. Moreover, they should prioritize reforms in trade policies to eliminate loopholes that allow for corrupt practices. Engaging civil society in monitoring these changes can also help restore faith among the populace.
**Host:** Those are important points. what lasting effects do you foresee this scandal having on Indonesian politics and trade practices?
**Dr. Hartono:** If handled correctly, this could lead to a stronger legal framework against corruption, fostering a more robust and ethical trade environment. Longer term, it could realign the political landscape, as parties and officials may need to distance themselves from practices that lead to such scandals. Ultimately, the exposure of these issues could enhance systemic integrity in governance.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Hartono, for your insightful analysis. We hope to see positive changes emerge from this scandal that can benefit Indonesia’s political and economic climate.
**Dr. Hartono:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for us to keep discussing these issues to drive progress.
**Host:** And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged as this story develops.
