Doctor Tifa Rejects Restorative Justice, Files Objection in Jokowi Diploma Case
Defendant Tifauzia Tyassuma, widely known as Doctor Tifa, has firmly rejected any attempt at restorative justice in the criminal case concerning the alleged defamation and slander linked to the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo’s diplomas. Her legal stance was delivered during the inaugural hearing at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday (2/7).
‘Based on my consultation with my advocates, firstly, I will not pursue restorative justice,’ Doctor Tifa stated before the panel of judges.
During the session, Presiding Judge Christina Endarwati had outlined the possibility of resolving the matter through reconciliation. This option referred to provisions in Law Number 20 of 2025, which allows a defendant to seek peace with the complainant, in this case Jokowi, particularly for charges carrying a maximum sentence of under five years.
Beyond restorative justice, the judge also presented other procedural options, including admitting the charges as stipulated in Article 205 Paragraph (1) or Article 206 Paragraph (1), or filing an objection to the prosecutor’s indictment.
The explanation of these options prompted a noisy reaction from the public gallery, forcing Judge Christina to issue a stern warning to maintain courtroom decorum. ‘Please comply so that this trial proceeds in an orderly manner. No cheering is allowed in the courtroom. Respect the defendant who is exercising her rights in this trial,’ she stressed, citing Supreme Court Regulation Number 5 of 2020 and the Criminal Procedure Code.
After consulting with her legal team, Doctor Tifa not only rejected restorative justice but also declined a plea bargain mechanism, which would involve a voluntary admission of guilt in exchange for a lighter sentence. She chose instead to mount a legal challenge against the charges brought by the public prosecutor.
The panel of judges confirmed her position and granted time for the defence team to prepare their legal response to the indictment.
Doctor Tifa faces multiple charges. The primary indictment charges her under Article 434 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 441 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 126 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. As an alternative, the prosecutor also included Article 310 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. Furthermore, the prosecutor has charged the defendant under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, specifically juncto Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustments and Article 126 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code.