Novel Baswedan Case; Staff Says Jokowi Trusts Legal Institution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Jokowi’s special staffer for legal affairs, Dini Purwono, confirmed that the president did not have the authority to intervene in the ongoing legal proceeding of the assault case against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) senior investigator Novel Baswedan.

“In this ongoing trial, it must be understood that the president as an executive cannot intervene in the judicial authority,” Dini told reporters on Thursday, June 18.

She underlined that the state head has a strong commitment to law enforcement, proven from the latter’s decision to set a special target for the National Police when investigating the case.

At that time, the president commanded serious investigation and its completion within days. “In this case, he believes in the independence of the country’s law enforcement institution,” Dini added.

Read: Novel Baswedan: President Should be Irked by Inept Legal System

Previously reported, public prosecutors demanded one-year imprisonment for Novel’s two attackers, Rahmat Kadir Mahulette and Ronny Bugis. The demand was considered too light and laden with conflict of interests.

However, Dini asserted that Jokowi respects the ongoing legal process. The president hopes and believes the panel of judges will conclude the case fairly.

“The president believes that the panel of judges will pay close attention to the charged criminal articles, the accuracy, and the evidence during the investigation, so the sense of justice is fulfilled,” Dini remarked.

Earlier, Novel Baswedan demanded Jokowi intervene in the trial of his case, given many irregularities that existed since the onset of the police investigation. The prosecutor’s light demand was also considered to be odd and strengthened his belief that the law enforcers were unfair.

Read: Novel Baswedan: I'll Be Taken Aback If President Stays Silent

EGI ADYATAMA