ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The high-profile sugar import corruption case in Indonesia has entered a new phase, with Rachmat Gobel, former Minister of Trade (2014–2015), appearing as a key witness. Gobel testified against Thomas Trikasih Lembong, who served as Trade Minister from 2015 to 2016. The hearing was held at the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Gobel was summoned by the Public Prosecutor as the first witness to clarify trade policies during his term in office.
“The first witness is Rachmat Gobel,” announced the prosecutor as the proceedings began.
Taking the stand, Gobel confirmed that he knew Tom Lembong but denied ever authorizing sugar imports while in office from October 2014 to August 2015.
“To the best of my recollection, there were no sugar imports during my tenure,” Gobel told Chief Judge Dennie Arsan Fatrika.
He explained that at the time, inter-ministerial coordination meetings concluded that domestic sugar production was sufficient to meet national demand.
“According to the coordination meetings back then, local sugar supply was adequate,” he explained.
Gobel emphasized that decisions related to importing raw materials, including sugar, required coordination with the Ministry of Industry, which was responsible for assessing industrial supply needs.
Tom Lembong stands accused of approving sugar imports without proper coordination with relevant agencies, allegedly causing state losses amounting to IDR 578 billion (approx. USD 36 million). He has been charged under: Article 2(1) or Article 3, in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31/1999 on Eradication of Corruption Crimes, as amended by Law No. 20/2001; In conjunction with Article 55(1), point 1 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).
Defense Lawyers Request Moeldoko and Gita Wirjawan to Testify
In an earlier hearing, Tom Lembong’s legal team, led by Ari Yusuf Amir, requested the court summon Moeldoko, former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, and Gita Irawan Wirjawan, former Trade Minister.
The request aims to clarify issues regarding sugar distribution policies and the appointment of Induk Koperasi Kartika (Inkopkar)—now known as Inkopad (Army Cooperative Federation)—to distribute sugar during a public market operation.
“We believe it would be valuable for Mr. Moeldoko and Mr. Gita to testify, as they can shed light on the distribution process and the selection of cooperatives,” Ari told the panel of judges. (AT Network)
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