Gibran Embraces Rismon Sianipar at Palace, Says "We Are Brothers, Nothing Else Matters"

JAKARTA — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming gave a warm reception to Rismon Sianipar, the suspect in allegations of false diplomas belonging to seventh President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026, morning.

Gibran shook hands and embraced Rismon.

“The point is that we are brothers, there is nothing else that matters,” said Gibran while embracing Rismon on Friday.

According to observations at the location, the meeting between the two lasted approximately 50 minutes and was held behind closed doors.

Rismon arrived at the Palace Complex at approximately 09:57 WIB and was observed to have completed his meeting with Gibran at 10:50 WIB.

At that moment, Rismon shook Gibran’s hand whilst bowing respectfully. Afterwards, Gibran embraced Rismon.

Subsequently, Gibran gestured to his staff to bring out Eid hampers and gift packages, which he presented to Rismon.

“He said he wanted to return to his home village,” Gibran said to Rismon whilst handing over the hampers.

After escorting Rismon out the door, Gibran excused himself to return to his office to continue with other activities.

In addition to Rismon, the Metro Jaya Police Department also named seven other individuals as suspects following a lengthy investigation.

Recently, Rismon Sianipar also issued an apology to Jokowi and his family.

The apology was conveyed after he obtained new findings in his research regarding the diploma.

“As a researcher, I formally apologise in a gentlemanly manner to the Jokowi family regarding my new findings which I have announced,” said Rismon as reported by Balige Academy’s YouTube channel on Thursday, 12 March 2026, as cited by Kompas TV.