Former Indonesian trade minister faces corruption charges over sugar imports

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has named former trade minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong as a suspect in a case of corruption related to sugar imports at the Trade Ministry during his tenure. - Photo: Antara

JAKARTA: (Bernama) Former Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Lembong appeared in court on Thursday (March 6) for the first hearing of his corruption trial, facing charges related to sugar imports that allegedly caused a financial loss to the state of up to IDR 578.15 billion (approximately US$37.3 million).

Thomas is accused of breaching several laws concerning food, trade, and farmer protection, with prosecutors citing his role in sugar imports during the 2015-2016 period.