REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Ten months after undergoing medical treatment in Singapore, senior investigator of Corruption Eradication Commision (KPK) Novel Baswedan returned at 10.50 AM on Thursday (Feb 22). As an outpatient, Novel spent some time to come home prior to his second phase of eye surgery schedule in the end of March or April.
In his first appearance in the public, Novel said he expected his left eye can be recovered soon. He also wanted to get back to work as KPK investigator as soon as possible.
"I hope after my left eye recover, I can perform my job as usual," Novel said.
(Left to right) Representative of KPK staff Harun Al Rasyid, senior investigator Novel Baswedan, former chairman Abraham Samad, deputy chief KPK Laode Muhammad Syarif hold a press conference at their office, Jakarta, after welcoming Novel Baswedan return from Singapore on Thursday (Feb 22).
In a meantime, the anti-graft body said Novel will not be assigned yet. KPK deputy chairman, Saut Situmorang expected Novel will be fully recovered. Novel could resume his duties as an investigator after solving his medical issue.
Also read: President Jokowi pleased with Novel Baswedan's recovery
There would be no change at all to Novel's position at KPK. "Novel is still the head of Task Force Deputy for Action at KPK Directorate of Investigation," said KPK spokesperson Febri Diansyah.
On April 11, 2017, Novel, a retired police officer, was fatally attacked while heading home after performing Fajr, or the Dawn prayer, at a mosque nearby when two motorcyclists hurled acid on his face that injured his eyes, particularly the left eye.
Former chairman of KPK Abraham Samad gives Novel Baswedan a hug to welcome the KPK senior investigator's arrival at KPK office,Jakarta, on Thursday (Feb 22).
His attackers escaped and are still at large. Meanwhile, Novel was transferred to hospital in Singapore for eye surgery. His eyes were seriously damaged and he had underwent surgery for several times.
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