Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has approved President Prabowo Subianto’s request to grant an abolition to former Minister of Trade Thomas “Tom” Trikasih Lembong, who was convicted in a 2015–2016 sugar import corruption case.

“DPR has given its consideration and approval for Presidential Letter No. R.43/PRES/07/2025 concerning the abolition request for Tom Lembong,” said Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco on Thursday evening (31/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, who initiated the request, explained, “This is in the interest of national unity. The proposal was made by me and signed officially for the President’s consideration”

He said the move also aims to maintain national stability and reconciliation.  The abolition halts all ongoing legal proceedings, pending the President’s decree.

Tom’s lawyer, Ari Yusuf Amir, said that  while he is thankful for the abolition granted to his client, he  will review and discuss the legal consequences of this decision with him before taking further steps.

The Attorney General’s Office said it had not received formal notice and would study the DPR’s approval as prosecutors are currently filing an appeal against Tom’s 4.5-year sentence.

Meanwhile, the South Jakarta Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Lembong was transferred to Cipinang Prison from Salemba Prison following sentencing.

The abolition halts all ongoing legal proceedings, pending the President’s decree. Former trade minister Tom was previously sentenced to 4.5 years in prison and fined Rp 750 million for authorizing illegal sugar imports that caused state losses of Rp 194.72 billion.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)