3 Doctors Refused to be Witnesses on Behalf of Bimanesh Sutarjo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Three doctors refused to be questioned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as witnesses for the defendant Bimanesh Sutarjo, who was named by KPK as a suspect for an obstruction of justice.

The three doctors are Professor Budi Sampoerna, Professor Zubairi Djoerban, and Doctor Prasetyono.

Read also: KPK Arrests Bimanesh Sutarjo in Setya Novanto`s Case

Bimanesh is a doctor in Medika Permata Hijau hospital who was allegedly conspired with Fredrich Yunadi in protecting Setya Novanto, a suspect of the electronic ID card (e-KTP) graft case.

“The names of the three witnesses were submitted by suspect Bimanesh to be witnesses on his behalf,” said KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah on Wednesday, January 17.

Febri said that the reason behind the doctors’ refusal was related to a doctor’s independence. The doctor is a member of the Indonesian Doctors’ Association (IDI) ethics council. “Bimanesh is being examined for ethical misconduct. The reason the doctors refused was to maintain independence,” said Febri.

Read: Lawyer Doctor Suspected of Conspiring to Protect Setya Novanto

Bimanesh Sutarjo and Fredrich were named as KPK suspects on Wednesday, January 10. Both men are strongly suspected to be involved in the tampering of Setya Novanto’s medical records in order to help Setya avoid KPK investigation.

M YUSUF MANURUNG