Indonesia Graft Buster Returns to Work After Acid Attack

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, at center, delivers his State of The Nation address in 2017 ahead of the country's Independence Day at the parliament building in Jakarta. Photo: Tatan Syuflana / Associated Press
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, at center, delivers his State of The Nation address in 2017 ahead of the country's Independence Day at the parliament building in Jakarta. Photo: Tatan Syuflana / Associated Press

JAKARTA — An anti-corruption investigator almost blinded by an acid attack urged Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to set up a fact finding team to solve his case as he returned to work 16 months after the assault.

Activists and anti-graft officials, showing solidarity by wearing white shirts and red arm bands, welcomed Novel Baswedan as he arrived at the Corruption Eradication Commission on Friday.

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A banner with a picture of Baswedan was emblazoned with the words: “Mr. President, where is your promise?” and “16 months the case of Novel in the darkness.”

Baswedan was leading investigations into a graft scandal that implicated prominent politicians when he was attacked as he left dawn prayers. No one has been arrested.

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Baswedan has criticized police handling of the investigation.