Jakarta, March 6 -- Trade Minister for 2015-2016 Thomas Trikasih Lembong (Tom Lembong) is facing charges for allegedly causing Rp578.1 billion (US$34 million) state financial losses in a sugar import corruption case during his tenure at the ministry.

According to the Public Prosecutor (JPU) from the Attorney General's Office, Sigit Sambodo, Lembong is suspected of participating in acts with several other defendants in the case.

"The act has enriched several parties to the value of Rp515.4 billion (US$30 million), thereby causing losses to the state treasury," Sambodo said while reading the indictment at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Thursday.

The charges against Lembong fall under Article 2, Paragraph (1) or Article 3, in conjunction...