Jokowi Accepts Apology from Rismon Sianipar

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo has stated that he has received an apology from Rismon Sianipar, a researcher who previously cast doubt on the authenticity of his diploma from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta. The two met at Jokowi’s residence in Sumber Village, Banjarsari District, Solo, Central Java, on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

Jokowi said Rismon came directly to offer his apology in person. He stated that he had accepted the apology and was referring the subsequent legal process to his legal advisors.

“Yes, Rismon Sianipar came to my residence yesterday. I have accepted his apology,” Jokowi told reporters on Friday, 13 March 2026.

The father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka added that the possibility of resolving the matter through a restorative justice mechanism would be discussed further by his legal team. According to him, the current legal process falls under the jurisdiction of the Jakarta Metro Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) investigators.

“Regarding restorative justice, I am referring this to my legal advisors. This is also within the jurisdiction of the investigators at Polda Metro Jaya,” said Jokowi.

When asked about the atmosphere of his meeting with Rismon, Jokowi said the meeting was unremarkable and without tension. “It was ordinary,” he said.

He reiterated that any decision regarding the possibility of resolving the matter through a restorative justice mechanism would be discussed further by his legal team together with the investigators.

“I have referred this to my legal advisors. There will be follow-up action later. The jurisdiction remains with the investigators at Polda Metro Jaya,” said Jokowi.

Rismon Sianipar is currently a suspect in a case of alleged defamation and libel related to accusations of forged diplomas, which Jokowi reported last year. He acknowledged that his visit to Jokowi’s residence on Thursday afternoon, 12 March 2026, was aimed at offering a direct apology and pursuing a restorative justice application with Polda Metro Jaya.

“Of course I apologised to Mr Jokowi. I also apologised to the public, especially to the parties involved,” Rismon told reporters after the meeting.

During the meeting, Rismon also presented the latest developments in his research regarding Jokowi’s diploma. He stated that his further research findings actually showed that Jokowi’s UGM diploma contained no irregularities.

“I must honestly state that my latest research findings will invite considerable criticism. But research must be answered through methodology, not merely through narrative,” he said.

According to Rismon, the results of his latest review were submitted to the investigators approximately a week ago. He emphasised that his research conclusion states that Jokowi’s diploma is genuine.

“The answer must be based on research methodology, not merely through narrative that it is forged or authentic. Methodologically it must be objective,” he said.

He also stated that he found no evidence of digital manipulation as he had previously written in his book “Jokowi’s White Paper”.

“The authenticity of this diploma has been preserved. This finding has also hurt me as a researcher. Truth sometimes hurts,” said Rismon.

Rismon’s legal counsel, Jahmada Girsang, stated that his client’s meeting with Jokowi took place in a cordial atmosphere. According to him, the meeting was part of efforts to resolve the case arising from the report filed by Jokowi on 30 April last year.

“Our objective is indeed to resolve this case, particularly between Rismon and Mr Jokowi,” said Jahmada.

He explained that during the meeting, his team also presented a mechanism for resolving the case through restorative justice. One of the key requirements of this mechanism is mutual forgiveness between the two parties.

“What is a requirement of RJ? There must be mutual forgiveness. That is what we conveyed and we have also prepared a written concept of it,” said Jahmada.

According to him, the next stage would proceed to complete the necessary administrative matters. He described the atmosphere of the meeting as flowing and cordial.

“The meeting was quite cordial. We had the opportunity to chat casually and laugh together,” he said.

During the meeting, Rismon also presented traditional Batak food items consisting of naniarsik and ulos to Jokowi as a mark of respect.

“We regard Mr Jokowi as a respected person. In Batak custom, the gift of naniarsik and ulos is a form of respect,” said Rismon.