Lawmakers Grill KPK Over Novel's Medical Expenses
Jakarta. House of Representatives Commission III questioned the leaders of the national antigraft commission on Monday (17/04) about the medical expenses for senior corruption investigator Novel Baswedan, who was injured in an acid attack last week.
Lawmakers accused the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of exaggerating when it requested President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla to make more funds available.
However, KPK deputy chairman Laode M. Syarief said Novel's health insurance does not cover consultations with specialists and medical treatments abroad. The insurance is also capped at a certain amount, which Laode did not disclose.
"Which is why we have asked the government to prepare for any possibilities. We are grateful that the president and vice president have approved it, as it was followed up by the KPK secretary general, who met with the finance minister," Laode said during the meeting.
Novel's doctor in Singapore previously recommended that he be placed under observation for several weeks, due to the severity of the injuries he sustained.
"The KPK has money, but we cannot use it recklessly due to transparency and accountability. This fund will be audited by the BPK [Supreme Audit Agency]," Laode said.
He added that the agency had asked the government for assistance, and not the president and vice president in their personal capacities.
"We asked the government representatives, who want the law enforcement process to continue," Laode said.
Free Surgery Offer
Laode told lawmakers that Novel's medical expenses rise to as much as Rp 400 million ($30,000), because the doctors in Singapore are still observing his condition and that it will take several weeks to conclude.
"I have asked how much it will cost in a worst-case scenario involving surgery to replace the cornea. [The doctor] said such a procedure would cost between S$30,000 and S40,000, or Rp 300 million to Rp 400 million," Laode said.
"It is a burden, because the KPK does not have that amount of funding," he added.
Laode also mentioned that Dr. Tan, the doctor treating Novel, offered to perform the surgery for free and that the KPK would only be required to pay the hospital bills.
The doctor made the offer after learning that Novel is a senior KPK investigator who was attacked because of his work.
"He made the offer out of compassion. But I told Dr. Tan not to. Instead, I asked him to perform the best service. The state will cover the cost," Laode said.
"He still insisted [to perform the surgery for free], saying that [Novel] is a fighter. I still refused, since the state will cover [the expenses]."
Novel has been receiving medical treatment at an eye clinic in Singapore since last Wednesday. He is not allowed to receive any visitors to ensure a proper recovery.
Before being taken to Singapore, Novel was treated at the Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, and the Jakarta Eye Center in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
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