Overview

In recent years, public scrutiny over government accountability has intensified, particularly when it intersects with economic policy decisions. One of the most high-profile cases arising from this trend is the corruption trial of former Minister of Trade, Thomas Trikasih Lembong (“Tom Lembong”), which culminated in Decision of the Central Jakarta District Court No. 34/Pid.Sus-TPK/2025/PN Jkt.Pst (“Decision 34/2025”). Such case revolves around the issuance of import approvals (Persetujuan Impor – “PI”) for sugar commodities during a period of sufficient domestic supply.[1] These actions were deemed to have caused state losses exceeding Rp 190 billion.[2]