Analyst: Accusations Against JK in Jokowi's Fake Diploma Controversy Could Be a Blunder and Boomerang
Political communication expert from Esa Unggul University, M. Jamiluddin Ritonga, assesses the allegations dragging Jusuf Kalla into the issue of the alleged fake diploma of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as an attempt to shape public opinion or framing.
“The allegations that Jusuf Kalla funded Roy Suryo and associates in the suspected fake Jokowi diploma appear aimed at winning public opinion and support,” Jamiluddin told Media Indonesia on Monday (6/4).
According to him, the accusations are directed at shifting public opinion, which previously tended to favour Roy Suryo and related parties.
“With these accusations, it is hoped that public opinion, which recently sided with Roy Suryo and his group, can be shifted towards Jokowi.”
He added that the move also aims to reduce public trust in those raising the issue.
“Public trust in Roy Suryo is expected to decline because this group is seen as merely hired actors to tarnish Jokowi’s reputation,” he said.
Jamiluddin believes this strategy is intended to reverse public perception regarding the diploma issue.
“The accusations are hoped to change public views on Jokowi’s allegedly fake diploma to genuine, so that support previously for Roy Suryo shifts to Jokowi,” he stated.
Nevertheless, he cautions that this framing strategy could become a blunder, especially following Jusuf Kalla’s quick response to report the relevant parties to law enforcement.
“The accusations against JK funding Roy Suryo and associates could be part of a framing strategy. However, this strategy could become a blunder with Jusuf Kalla’s efforts to report Rismon to Bareskrim,” he said.
In his view, the legal action could instead weaken the constructed narrative.
“Jusuf Kalla’s swift response appears to neutralise the framing strategy. Such efforts could become a boomerang,” he remarked.
He also assesses that this situation could strengthen public support for Roy Suryo and his group.
“The public will increasingly believe that Roy Suryo’s struggle is purely to uncover the suspected fake Jokowi diploma,” said Jamiluddin.
Conversely, he sees the strategy potentially harming the President’s image.
“The framing efforts could further weaken support for Jokowi, as they are perceived as diverting from the core issue, leading neutral segments of society to become antipathetic,” he stated.
Therefore, Jamiluddin suggests not expanding the polemic and focusing on proof.
“The issue of the suspected fake Jokowi diploma should not be broadened. Jokowi’s side should concentrate on proving that his diploma is genuine,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasises that resolving the matter is actually simple by Jokowi showing his original diploma.
“Jokowi just needs to show his genuine diploma. In that way, the issue will be settled, his reputation restored, and he can return to peace,” he concluded.