Police Rejects Demand for Joint Probe into Novel Acid Attack Case  

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono has rejected the demand for an independent team establishment or joint probe into an acid attack against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan. He said that the police will work hard to crack down on the identity of the assailants. “Let’s follow the rules. In the meantime, put your trust in the police,” Argo told Tempo yesterday. “The police also want to uncover it quickly, but the evidence is lacking.”

It’s been 30 days since the incident but the police have yet to identify any suspect. The police have questioned 30 witnesses and four alleged assailants who have later been released due to the lack of evidence.

Watchdog Koalisi Marsyarakat Sipil (Civil Society Coalition) and the KPK have expressed their disappointment over the police sluggish work in investigating the case. Activists have urged the KPK to take a stance and planned to demand President Joko Widodo to form an independent team.

The KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said that the agency is seeking ways join the police in the investigation into the attack against Novel. “We believe that serious steps must be taken to strengthen the [police] team. We will hold further discussions,” he said. “If the President wishes to form an independent team, the KPK is very open [to suggestions].”

AVIT HIDAYAT | FRANSISCO ROSARIANS