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KPK denies accusation of foreign funding for Novel treatment
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Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan, sitting in a wheelchair, greets reporters at a hospital in North Jakarta on April 11. (Antara/Aprillio Akbar)
T
he Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) rejected on Tuesday claims by House of Representatives deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah that KPK senior investigator Novel Baswedan had received funding from a foreign doctor for his eye treatment.
KPK spokesperson Febri Diansyah said the treatment of Novel’s eye injuries, which were received in an acid attack in April, was fully funded by the state.
“From the beginning we have made it clear that the treatment is being funded through a state financial mechanism, following coordination arranged between the President [Joko “Jokowi” Widodo] and the Vice President [Jusuf Kalla],” he said in Jakarta.
Febri further said the reason for the KPK to provide Novel with medical treatment in Singapore was based on doctors’ recommendations.
“A team of doctors said Novel needed to get treatment in Singapore. Therefore, it is easier if he stays there,” he said.
Although Novel’s left eye had shown progress, Febri said, doctors were considering major surgery following the last check-up.
On Sunday, Fahri urged Novel to return to Indonesia rather than staying in Singapore. He also questioned the source of funding for Novel’s treatment in Singapore, Kompas.com reported.
“I’m suspicious: Who pays for his daily necessities? I heard that a doctor had agreed to voluntarily pay for his treatment. That is a gratuity,” he said. (ecn/kuk/ebf)
