Gibran Responds to Rismon Sianipar's Apology Regarding Jokowi's Certificate

Jakarta — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has commented on an apology from Rismon Sianipar, a suspect in the case alleging that seventh President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) holds a fraudulent diploma.

“Ramadan is a very good month for forgiving one another and re-establishing the bonds of brotherhood,” Gibran said in a statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

In his statement, Vice President Gibran also appreciated Rismon’s remarks and stance in providing clarification and willingness to review his previous statements. According to Gibran, this step demonstrated maturity in democracy.

Previously, the Jakarta Metro Police Department designated eight individuals as suspects in the case alleging Jokowi’s diploma was fraudulent following an extended investigation.

The first cluster was also charged under Article 160 of the Criminal Code on incitement to commit violence against public officials. Eggi Sudjana, Kurnia Tri Royani, Rizal Fadillah, Rustam Effendi, and Damai Hari Lubis were included in this cluster.

Meanwhile, the second cluster consists of Roy Suryo, Rismon Sianipar, and Tifauzia Tyassuma. They were charged under Article 32 paragraph (1) and Article 35 of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law concerning deletion, concealment, and manipulation of electronic documents.

Rismon issued his apology following new findings from his research into the diploma matter. “As a researcher, I formally apologise to President Jokowi’s family regarding the new findings that I have announced,” Rismon stated, as reported from Balige Academy’s YouTube channel on Thursday, 12 March 2026, as cited by Kompas TV.

Rismon also acknowledged errors in his previous research presented in his book Jokowi’s White Paper.