Jakarta. Former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, known as SYL, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption during his 2020-2023 tenure.

He was fined Rp 300 million, substitutable with 4 months' imprisonment, by the Corruption Court of Central Jakarta. This sentence is lighter than the prosecution's demand for 12 years and a Rp 500 million fine, substitutable with 6 months' imprisonment.

"Defendant Syahrul Yasin Limpo is legally and convincingly guilty of jointly committing corruption offenses," said Judge Fahzal Hendri.during Thursday's sentencing.

The judge issued a lighter sentence considering SYL's advanced age, his contributions to the country, and his respectful demeanor during the trial. 

SYL must also pay Rp 14.15 billion plus $30,000 in restitution. Failure to pay could result in asset seizure or an additional 2 years imprisonment.

Both SYL and the public prosecutor from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said they are considering whether to appeal the verdict.

SYL, along with former Secretary General Kasdi Subagyono (2021-2023) and Agricultural Tools and Machines Director Muhammad Hatta (2023), faces sentencing today.

SYL allegedly extorted or received Rp 44.5 billion in bribes with Kasdi and Hatta, who collected funds from the Agriculture Ministry's officials to meet SYL's personal and family needs.

The funds allegedly covered SYL's personal expenses, including gifts, party donations, religious events, flights, disaster relief, overseas trips, Umrah pilgrimages, and animal sacrifices.

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