Gibran Welcomes Rismon's Apology During Ramadan

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has responded to the apology tendered by Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar. Rismon is a suspect in an alleged defamation case related to the controversy surrounding the credentials of former President Joko Widodo.

For Gibran, the occasion of Ramadan marks an appropriate time for mutual forgiveness and the strengthening of fraternal bonds. Through a written statement released by the Vice President’s Press Bureau on Thursday (12 March 2026), Gibran expressed his appreciation for Rismon’s willingness to retract his accusations and provide public clarification. In his view, such conduct reflects maturity in democratic practice.

“Ramadan is a most opportune month for mutual forgiveness and the rekindling of bonds of brotherhood,” Gibran stated.

Previously, Rismon published a video apology on the Balige Academy YouTube channel. In the video, he disclosed that following further research, he discovered new evidence that prompted him to withdraw allegations of forged degrees against Jokowi and Gibran alike.

Rismon also stated his intention to withdraw two books he had authored, namely Jokowi Paper and Gibran End Game, and plans to prepare a comprehensive rebuttal to their contents.

He acknowledged feeling exploited by certain interested parties caught up in this controversy and emphasised that he harboured no political motivation from the outset.

Rismon further commended the Indonesian National Police’s handling of the matter, which he considered professional, and expressed his readiness to assist public education efforts if required.

He has submitted a request for restorative justice and met directly with Jokowi at his residence in Solo. In concluding his statement, Rismon urged other parties still involved in similar controversies to follow suit by remaining receptive and pursuing peaceful resolution pathways.