Gibran Responds to Rismon Sianipar's Apology Over Diploma Controversy

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has responded to the apology of Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, the suspect in allegations of forged diplomas of Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Gibran welcomed the apology expressed during Ramadan as a positive gesture to strengthen fraternal bonds.

“Ramadan is an excellent month for mutual forgiveness and rebuilding the bonds of brotherhood,” said Gibran in a written statement issued by the Office of the Vice President’s Press, Media and Information Bureau on Thursday (12 March 2026).

Gibran appreciated Rismon’s statement and clarification, as well as his willingness to review previous public statements. This step was seen as demonstrating maturity in democracy.

Rismon had filed for restorative justice status as a suspect in the alleged forgery case and visited Jokowi at his residence in Solo. He had also uploaded a video apologising to both Jokowi and Gibran, claiming he had discovered “new truth” regarding Jokowi’s diploma, which had previously been questioned.

“Based on my current research, which is a continuation of my earlier research, I have discovered new truth about Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma,” Rismon stated via his YouTube channel Balige Academy on Thursday.

Rismon announced his withdrawal from the diploma allegations controversy affecting both Jokowi and Gibran, stating he would produce counter-arguments to his books about them. He expressed willingness to withdraw the books already in circulation.

“I am therefore withdrawing from matters concerning Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma, including Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma. I will produce an antithesis to my books ‘Jokowi Paper’ and ‘Gibran End Game’ for which I bear responsibility, and I will make efforts to withdraw these books already in distribution,” he said.

Rismon claimed he had never been interested in politics and felt he had been exploited by certain parties regarding the diploma controversy. He stated he was detaching himself from all political involvement related to the diplomas of Jokowi and Gibran.

“Since the beginning I have had no interest in politics, and with this I am withdrawing from all political contests which might be related to Mr Joko Widodo’s and Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diplomas. From this moment onwards, as I feel I have been exploited by parties that have raised the issue of Mr Joko Widodo’s and Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diplomas,” he said.

Rismon praised the Indonesian National Police (Polri) for their professional handling of the diploma controversy and stated he was ready to assist Polri in educating the public if required.

“Polri has worked professionally on Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma matter, and I hereby declare my readiness to assist every step of Polri going forward to educate the public regarding whatever may be required,” he stated.

Rismon then formally apologised to both Jokowi and Gibran, expressing hope that his apology would be accepted. He stated his willingness to apologise directly to Jokowi in Solo and to pursue restorative justice to resolve his legal case.

Rismon further appealed to other parties involved in the controversy to open their hearts and minds, hoping they would follow his path in pursuing restorative justice.