JK Denies Allegations of Funding Parties Questioning Jokowi's Diploma

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla has denied allegations that he funded Roy Suryo and related parties to question the authenticity of the diploma of Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo.

Based on information circulating on digital platforms, Jusuf Kalla (JK) stated that he was accused of providing funding amounting to Rp5 billion for this purpose and assured that the information is untrue.

“I say it is certainly and confidently not true,” JK said during a press conference at his residence in Jakarta on Sunday.

To that end, JK stated that he will report the matter to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) to straighten out the issue and confirm that the allegations are false.

According to JK, his lawyer will report to Bareskrim on Monday (5/4).

In addition, JK emphasised that he has never been involved in the polemic surrounding Jokowi’s diploma issue, neither with Roy Suryo nor Rismon Sianipar.

Furthermore, JK conveyed that the meeting that took place at his residence last Ramadan with several academics and professionals was to discuss suggestions regarding the current state of the nation.

According to JK, the parties who attended his residence were not invited; they came of their own accord.

JK assured that the meeting was also not related to the polemic over Jokowi’s diploma.

“That discussion was open, completely open. It was only suggestions for policies and that was for Mr President (Prabowo). Yes, Mr President (Prabowo),” said Jusuf Kalla.

Meanwhile, JK’s lawyer, Abdul Haji Talaohu, stated that the report will likely address defamation. This step is taken as a form of accountability regarding the existing allegations.

Actually, he said, Jusuf Kalla is very unwilling to deal with trivial matters like this. However, because it has attracted public attention, they decided to file the report.

“And Mr JK has already stated that it is slander, an accusation of slander, so this must be addressed seriously,” said Abdul.