Indonesia arrests former trade minister in sugar import graft case


Thomas Trikasih Lembong was accused of giving the permit to a private company at a time when Indonesia had a surplus of sugar. - Photo: Lianhe Zaobao file

JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities investigating graft have arrested a former trade minister turned government critic on suspicion of improperly granting a sugar import permit in 2015 that led to losses of US$25 million.

Thomas Trikasih Lembong was named a suspect and arrested late on Tuesday (Oct 29) by prosecutors from the attorney general's office, accused of giving the permit to a private company at a time when Indonesia had a surplus of sugar, the office said.

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