Former Minister of Trade Rachmat Gobel imported sugar must have a recommendation for the Ministry of Industry

Jakarta – The Minister of Trade (Mendag) for the period 2014-2015, Rachmat Gobel, claims that he has never made a discretion of the assignment while serving with the Ministry of Trade. Gobel also said that sugar import activities should have recommendations from the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin). It was transferred by Gobel when he was presented as a witness to the alleged corruption case of imported sugar with the defendant Thomas Trikasih Lembong alias Tom Lembong at Jakarta Corruption Court, Jalan Bungur Raya, Central -Jakarta, Thursday (5/15/2025). Initially, Gobel claimed that he had never made discretion while serving as Minister of Trade. “As long as your pastor is, October 2014 to August 2015, have you ever used the discretion?” Asked the right member Alfis Setyawan. Browse to continue with the content “None, I’ve never used the discretion,” Gobel replies. The judge then investigated the obligations of other recommendations on sugar import activities. Gobel said the Ministry of Industry issued recommendations related to the need for sugar import to the coordination meeting (coordination meeting) was held. “Should there be a recommendation from other ministries?” asked the judge. “For the producer, I coordinate with the Ministry of Industry to find out how much the need for raw materials of sugar and others should be imported, because it must guarantee production, the smooth production,” answered. ‘The approval of the Ministry of Industry is a recommendation? Or what’s the form, sir? ” asked the judge. “Yes, in our discussion at the Ministry of Industrial Meeting with the Ministry of Trade, we discuss how many needs. Of course, the recommendations of the Ministry of Industry are,” Gobel replied. “Is that the requirement, sir?” asked the judge. “We do it indeed,” Gobel replied. Gobel said sugar imports cannot be done without any recommendations from the Ministry of Industry. He said sugar imports should pay attention to the needs and capabilities of domestic producers. “If there is no recommendation from the Ministry of Industry, the import cannot be implemented?” asked the judge. “You can’t do that because don’t interfere with production. If it is disturbed production, the production will have an impact on the market. So I always communicate with the relevant ministries,” Gobel replies. “We need the confirmation, sir. Does that mean you can’t? ‘ asked the judge. “I didn’t, because I had to know how much the real need was,” Gobel replied. “Do you see the needs and capabilities of domestic producers?” asked the judge. “Yes, because to maintain price stability. Don’t be leaked to the market as well,” Gobel replies. Previously, the prosecutor unveiled the involvement of Tom Lembong in the alleged sugar import case that harmed the state RP 578 billion. It is said that Tom Lembong approves sugar input without going through a coordination meeting with related settings. Tom Lembong was also charged with violating Article 2 paragraph (1) or section 3 in collaboration with section 18 of the Act Number 31 of 1999 regarding the eradication of corruption crimes as amended by Act number 20 of 2001 regarding the legislation of the Act 31 of 1999 regarding the eradication of the corruption crimes in the composition with section 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st of the 1st of the 1st of the 1st. (MIB/WHN) HOEGENG Awards 2025 Read the inspiring story of the exemplary police candidate here