Digital Forensics Expert Rismon Sianipar Apologises to Vice President Gibran Over Diploma Controversy

Digital forensics expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar presented a clarification and formal apology directly to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka regarding the controversy that had developed in public discourse concerning a study he had previously presented. The meeting took place at the Vice Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Friday, 13 March.

During the meeting, Rismon explained that he had conducted a more thorough follow-up analysis of several pieces of data and documents that had previously been questioned. From his detailed examination, he concluded that the diploma at the centre of the controversy was authentic.

“Journalists certainly need simple sentences. Yes, authentic. Because of what? Due to my analysis. That’s why I said, truth hurts. Truth is painful. But it hurts even more if I don’t express it and am not honest,” Rismon told media representatives following the meeting.

In a separate written statement, Gibran regarded Rismon’s decision to review his previous statement as a demonstration of maturity in democratic life. According to Gibran, differing perspectives that emerge in public discourse should be resolved through openness and mutual respect.

He also called upon society to use the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan to strengthen brotherhood. “Ramadan is a month that is very good for forgiving one another and rebuilding the bonds of brotherhood,” Gibran wrote in his statement.

On the same occasion, Rismon also offered his apology for the controversy that had emerged as a result of the initial study he had presented to the public.

“As a researcher, I am responsible for correcting my work, not concealing the truth so that it appears research is final and not ongoing, merely for applause, merely for fanaticism, or merely for practical political interests,” he said.

Rismon had previously published a video apology through his YouTube channel, Balige Academy.