TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - NINE months have gone by, but the investigation into the acid attack on Novel Baswedan still appears to be at a standstill. The Jakarta Police have yet to expose those who gave the order nor have they caught those who carried out the attack. The police have only released sketches of the two alleged perpetrators one month ago, whilst witnesses already described these men's physical features to the police one week after the attack on April 11, 2017.
The acid attack is no ordinary crime. Novel, a senior Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator, was then investigating several major cases implicating persons in authority, including legislators, government officials and police officers. Throughout his career, Novel has made several achievements, including leading a team of investigators to expose corruption in the purchase of simulators for the drivers' license exam. Head of the National Police's Traffic Corps Djoko Susilo was implicated in the investigation and Novel himself was later implicated in a criminal charge for investigating the case.
This is not the first attack on Novel; the resigned police major has experienced continuous intimidation throughout his KPK career. Before the acid attack, Novel had experienced terror on five occasions, received death threats and was even the victim of a hit-and-run. All this happened during his investigation into a high-profile corruption case, including the bribery of Jakarta State Court clerk Edy Nasution, implicating Supreme Court Secretary Nurhadi. These acts of terror never caused Novel to withdraw. In spite of the lack of support, he continued to take on corruptors.
Lately Novel was even accused of having ties to a conservative Islamist group because of his beard and garb. It seems like the concern over emerging hard-line Islamist groups has eroded the enthusiasm from some groups to eradicate corruption. It resulted in an oversimplification that Novel, because of his religious belief, should not be defended.
Luckily, Novel never seemed to lose his resolve, though the road ahead is steep. He was brave enough to expose the bribery in the proposed regional regulation on reclamation, implicating Mohamad Sanusi, member of the Jakarta Representative Council. The investigation also implicated Agung Sedayu Group leader Sugianto Kusuma, known as Aguan. After that, Novel was involved in the high-profile corruption investigation in the electronic identity (e-KTP) project, causing state losses in the amount of Rp2.3 trillion. He managed to eventually ensnare former House Speaker and Golkar Party Chairman Setya Novanto.
We've chosen Novel Baswedan as Tempo’s 2017 Person of the Year for his courage, determination and dedication. The choice was made so that people will not forget the government’s major homework amid all the clamor surrounding economic development.
We’re of course aware of Novel’s imperfections; some have criticized him for being a weak investigator when it comes to developing a good working system, as well as his tendency to work as a "single fighter." But these shortcomings do not detract from his track record. He’s become an icon against all the risks that come with investigating corruption.
The police should in turn prove their commitment to eradicating corruption by resolutely pursuing the acid attack’s perpetrators and masterminds. Their hesitance may ignite suspicion that they are instead working to protect the persons involved.
President Joko Widodo must also take a firm stance. Forming an independent team made up of community leaders trusted by the public to investigate the attack should not be seen as an effort to weaken law enforcers, but rather to support them. With the help of such an independent team, the police may then focus only on technical aspects and avoid involvement in the "political fight" believed to be behind the attack. Meanwhile, the police’s transparency in investigating the attack may put a stop to the negative public opinion.
The President has to lead firmly. The unfinished investigation into the assassination of human rights activist Munir must not be allowed to repeat. Although the police did find the perpetrator, they failed in exposing the mastermind behind Munir’s murder. Even now, the failure is still attached to former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
It’s true that Novel was not killed. But the attack was a serious violation of his human rights. If this case is not solved, the public will only continue to demand it of this government. Jokowi must not allow himself to be held hostage by the affair.
Read the full article in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine
