Two Years Passed, Novel Baswedan's Attackers Remain at Large

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two years has passed since the acid attack on Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan took place. The Police has yet to apprehend the attackers who are still at large.

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Wana Alamsyah, said that the Indonesian National Police has failed to solve this pressing issue. Furthermore, this condition proves the existence of a real terror threat not just against Novel, but also against the KPK.

"The attack only happened once two years ago. But KPK employees are still working in terror because the perpetrators are still roaming free," said Wana on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

As of today, the ICW and a number of mass-organizations arrived at the KPK headquarters to join the agency's employee association Wadah Pegawai KPK, university student activists, musicians, and Novel himself on holding a public oration and anti-corruption declaration at the KPK HQ lobby.

Opposing Rally Forms at KPK HQ

Unexpectedly, the commemoration of the attack against KPK's senior investigator was met with opposing protest from a group of people who suspects the issue is used as a political tool. Based on Tempo's observation, the protestors mainly accuse Novel of politicizing the attack.

"KPK must be neutral," yelled the rally's orator.

The two groups rallying claim to be from the KPK watchdog from students' youth student alliance and the students’ solidarity for democracy. Both groups formed a crowd that consists of dozens of people. The group mainly accuses Novel Baswedan of being power-hungry.

M ROSSENO AJI | INDRI MAULIDAR