“Whatever the motive is, this attack is unacceptable. Still, it's better for us if we do not make any speculations about it or have any suspicions or prejudices [about certain people]. We should leave it all to the police,” Setya said.

“It is hoped this case can strengthen people’s support for the antigraft body in combating corruption.”

(Read also: KPK investigator suffers burns in acid attack)

Novel suffered burns on his face from an acid attack reportedly perpetrated by two unidentified persons who were on a motorbike on Tuesday morning. The attack occurred when Novel was walking home after he attended a morning prayer in a mosque near where he lives in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. 

The KPK top investigator is receiving intensive medical treatment at Mitra Keluarga Hospital.

Novel is among the KPK investigators who are highly respected over their persistence in investigating high-profile graft cases. He is now leading the commission’s investigation into alleged embezzlement related to the provision of e-ID cards, in which several House of Representatives members and high-ranking government officials have been implicated. Speculation is rife that the attack was related to that investigation.

Setya, the Golkar Party chairman, has been mentioned many times as a person who possibly improperly received money from the Rp 5.9 trillion (US$440 million) project. The alleged embezzlement is estimated to have cost the state more than Rp 2 trillion. (ebf)