TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Setya Novanto, who was named as a suspect in a graft case surrounding the electronic ID {e-KTP) procurement project, was involved in a car accident on Thursday night, November 16, at around 6:35 p.m. West Indonesia Time.

Initial investigations conducted by authorities suggested that the accident took place as the driver of Toyota Fortuner lost concentration behind the wheels. Setya Novanto was sitting in the back seat. The person who was driving at the time has been identified as Hilman Mattauch, who works as a journalist.

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The three men were heading to the headquarters of Metro TV located in West Jakarta to conduct an interview in one of the TV station’s programs. In the middle of the trip, the three of them agreed to conduct a live-by-phone interview with Metro TV.

“The driver looked for a safe spot to make the call,” said Police Commissioner Halim Pagarra on Friday, November 17.

As soon as they finished the call, they continued their journey. Throughout the journey, Hilman drove the car while responding to Setya Novanto’s conversation who was sitting at the back. He was also accepting calls from his office regarding the interview.

Due to the lack of concentration and exhaustion caused by lack of sleep, Hilman suddenly veered to the right and ran over the sidewalk and hit a tree. The car finally stopped after it hit an electricity pole nearby.

The incident was witnessed by two locals who provided police with their testimony.

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Setya Novanto was rushed to the Permata Hijau Hospital and treated for minor head injuries and a concussion.

Before the accident, Setya Novanto was on the run and was set to be forcefully summoned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

ZARA AMELIA