After Exception Granted, Doctor Tifa Vows to Continue Fight Over Jokowi's Diploma Controversy

Doctor Tifa Fauziah Tyassuma has affirmed she will continue her fight concerning the controversy over President Joko Widodo’s diploma, even after the East Jakarta District Court granted her exception and declared the Public Prosecutor’s indictment null and void. The statement was made by Doctor Tifa following the interlocutory decision hearing at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday, where she expressed respect for the panel of judges’ decision, calling it part of the legal process. She stated that from the outset, she was prepared for any outcome of the court’s ruling, and whether the exception was accepted or rejected, she would continue to fight for what she believes to be the truth. Doctor Tifa said the judges’ decision would not deter her steps to continue raising the issue that has become a polemic regarding the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. She hopes the controversy can be resolved so it does not become a recurring issue for presidents or state officials in the future. On the same occasion, Doctor Tifa revealed that she and her team had prepared defence materials for over a year in case the case proceeded to the evidentiary stage. She claimed to have researched all 709 documents mentioned by investigators and possessed irrefutable evidence, including a comparative transcript of grades for Forestry Faculty graduates from Gadjah Mada University in 1985. However, these claims were not tested in court as the panel of judges granted the exception, declaring the indictment null and void because it was not drafted carefully, containing alternative charges using the same offence under two different legal regimes.