Former Indonesian Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Decade-long Imprisonment for Corruption

Indonesia's former agriculture minister, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for corruption, extortion, and bribery involving ministry contracts. This case further tarnishes President Joko Widodo's anti-corruption efforts, with Limpo being the sixth cabinet member sentenced during Widodo's term.

Indonesia's anti-graft court has sentenced former agriculture minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo to ten years in prison. Limpo was found guilty of corruption, extortion, and bribery involving ministry contracts.

This case has severely impacted President Joko Widodo's credibility in combating corruption. Five other members of Widodo's Cabinet have faced prison sentences for corruption, casting a shadow over his anti-corruption efforts as his term ends in October.

The Jakarta court ruled that Limpo abused his power to enrich himself and other officials. He was fined 300 million rupiah ($18,500) and faces an additional four months in prison if he fails to pay. The court found evidence that he threatened ministry officials and vendors to comply with his demands.

Limpo funneled the illicit funds into luxury goods, private jets, family events, and even political and humanitarian activities. Prosecutors, who sought a 12-year sentence, indicated he received 44.7 billion rupiah ($2.7 million) from January 2020 to October 2023. Limpo has denied wrongdoing, claiming political persecution.

Two of Limpo's subordinates were also sentenced to four years in prison for their involvement. During the trial, Limpo argued that his subordinates had slandered him out of fear of losing their positions.

(With inputs from agencies.)