Apology to Jokowi: Rismon Presents Ulos Cloth and Na Niarsik Delicacy

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar presented ulos cloth and processed fish to Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

The gifts were delivered by Rismon during a meeting with Jokowi regarding the certificate forgery case at a residence in Sumber, Solo, Central Java, on Thursday (12 March).

“We brought na niarsik earlier, and there was also ulos,” said Rismon after meeting Jokowi.

Ulos is a traditional woven cloth of the Batak ethnic group, Rismon’s homeland. Meanwhile, na niarsik is a traditional dish consisting of smoked carp prepared with distinctive Batak Toba spices.

Rismon stated that the ulos and na niarsik were presented as a form of apology and as a mark of respect according to Batak customary tradition towards Jokowi.

“In essence, these are upah-upah (customary gifts), meaning we regard Mr Jokowi as an honourable person, for the sake of peace,” he said.

Rismon met Jokowi at the Sumber residence after submitting a formal request for restorative justice to the Metro Jaya Regional Police. On the occasion, Rismon also apologised to the public and Jokowi regarding the certificate forgery case.

“Of course I apologise to the public, especially to the parties involved such as Mr Joko Widodo,” said Rismon.

Previously, Rismon acknowledged that he had conducted further research. The results of the extended research concluded that there were no irregularities in Jokowi’s educational certificate.

“There is no digital manipulation as I concluded in my book Jokowi’s White Paper. What does this mean? The authenticity has been preserved,” said Rismon.