JK Says Diploma Case Has Dragged On Too Long, This is Jokowi's Side's Response

Former Vice President of Indonesia’s 10th and 12th administrations, Jusuf Kalla (JK), believes the polemic surrounding the diploma of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has lasted too long. Jokowi’s side is also pushing for the matter to be promptly referred to the prosecutor’s office. “We continue to urge the case to be handed over to the court so that there is legal certainty regarding the authenticity of Mr Jokowi’s diploma,” said Jokowi’s legal counsel, Rivai Kusumanegara, when contacted on Friday (9/4/2026). Rivai stated that several witnesses, from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officials, lecturers to Jokowi’s peers, have already been questioned regarding the case. Additionally, forensic laboratory tests have been conducted to examine the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. Rivai hopes the case can soon reach the courtroom for trial. He said that legal certainty on the matter could restore the reputations of certain parties dragged into the case. “In fact, if this case is halted, it is not impossible that the diploma issue will be raised again in a few years’ time, and our public space will be disrupted once more. Legal certainty on the authenticity of Mr Jokowi’s diploma will also restore the reputations of parties that have been dragged in so far, such as UGM, KPU, and the Ministry of Education,” he explained. Rivai added that Jokowi is prepared to provide direct testimony at the trial. He also mentioned that Jokowi will present his original diploma, which has been the subject of contention. “Witnesses, including Mr Jokowi, are ready to give testimony at the trial. Moreover, Mr Jokowi will show his diplomas from primary school to undergraduate level at the trial, which can be witnessed by the public and media,” he added. JK’s statement, which described the polemic over the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma as dragging on, was made after JK reported Rismon Sianipar. Rismon was reported for allegedly spreading false information (hoax) claiming that JK funded Roy Suryo and others in the Jokowi diploma polemic. According to JK, the issue has been circulating for two to three years and has caused public anxiety as well as losses from various aspects. “Actually, this case has been going on for two years, three years. It disturbs society, wastes time, harms Mr Jokowi, harms everyone; tens of billions of rupiah have been spent on lawyers or, like in my case, my time has been wasted by being involved,” said JK at the Bareskrim Polri building in South Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026). He assessed that the polemic not only has material impacts. He said the diploma case has triggered divisions in society. “Our time is wasted, the costs are high, and divisions occur in society. Pro and contra is division, fighting to the death on TV. That disrupts our national character in that way,” JK stated. JK believes the issue can be resolved simply. He is convinced that Jokowi possesses an authentic diploma. “Actually, the problem is simple, because I am sure Mr Jokowi has an authentic diploma. We should just stop this matter by having Mr Jokowi show his authentic diploma,” he said. “I am sure Mr Jokowi understands the social losses from this two-to-three-year problem. Just show it to the public and it’s done. I am sure Mr Jokowi will do that rather than us quarrelling, with groups quarrelling for years, wasting time, losing social dignity; that is what we hope for,” JK added. He hopes the polemic can be resolved soon. He believes Jokowi does not want divisions in the midst of society.