Gibran Responds to Rismon's Apology Over Allegations of Jokowi's Fake Degree

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka responded to researcher Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar’s apology regarding allegations that his father, seventh President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi), possessed a fraudulent degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

Gibran, Jokowi’s eldest son, linked his response to the holy month of Ramadan, emphasising the opportunity for reconciliation.

“Ramadan is an excellent month for mutual forgiveness and rebuilding the bonds of brotherhood,” Gibran stated in a statement on Thursday (12 March).

Gibran also commended Rismon’s decision to clarify and reconsider his previous public statements, describing the step as demonstrating “maturity in democracy.”

Rismon is among three suspects in the defamation case related to allegations of Jokowi’s fraudulent degree at Metro Jaya Police District. Along with Roy Suryo and Tifauzia Tyassuma (Dr Tifa), Rismon had alleged that Jokowi’s degree was fabricated based on their scientific research, documented in the book “Jokowi’s White Paper.”

In a significant reversal, Rismon apologised for the allegations during a visit to Jokowi’s residence in Solo on Thursday. He stated he found no irregularities in Jokowi’s undergraduate degree from UGM.

Rismon disclosed that he had conducted further research, which concluded there were no anomalies in Jokowi’s diploma.

“There is no digital manipulation as I concluded in the Jokowi’s White Paper book. What does this mean? The authenticity is intact,” Rismon said after being received by Jokowi at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday (12 March).

Rismon also proposed a restorative justice mechanism to resolve the legal matter. He, Roy Suryo, and Dr Tifa had been designated as suspects by Metro Jaya Police District following a defamation complaint filed by Jokowi.