IT Expert Rismon Sianipar States Jokowi's Diploma is Authentic After Meeting Gibran, Says Truth Hurts
IT expert Rismon Sianipar has announced the complete withdrawal of his previous findings regarding allegations that President Joko Widodo’s diploma was fraudulent. Following an in-depth investigation over the past three months and a meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Sianipar publicly declared that Jokowi’s diploma is authentic.
Sianipar explained that his decision to reveal the truth was made to preserve the integrity of his heart and mind. Speaking at the Office of the Vice President in Jakarta on Friday 13 March, he stated: “Journalists indeed need simple language. Yes, authentic. Why? Based on my investigation, I say that truth hurts. But what hurts even more is what I would feel if I were unwilling to reveal it and be honest.”
Sianipar detailed that his latest conclusion was based on re-testing using three more accurate technical variables: two geometric variables and one lighting variable. These three parameters automatically corrected his previous findings published in his book Jokowi’s White Paper.
“Over the past two to three months I have studied this further, more carefully, and about two weeks ago I reached my final conclusion. Therefore I decided I must reveal this to the public openly and as a gentleman,” he emphasised.
Aware that his decision would provoke both support and opposition, particularly amongst his colleagues such as Roy Suryo and Dr. Tifa, Sianipar urged that differences of opinion be handled respectfully without personal attacks. “Let us engage in discourse and express opinions without ad hominem attacks. Let us enlighten this republic; refute my findings in a civilised and ethical manner. I always complete the work I begin,” he added.
President Joko Widodo has formally accepted Sianipar’s apology regarding the false accusations of diploma forgery that previously caused public controversy. Sianipar has also published a video apology through his YouTube channel, Balige Academy.