Jokowi Denies JK's Claim on Fake Diploma Case Sparking Conflict
Former President Joko Widodo has responded to former Vice President Jusuf Kalla’s statement assessing that the issue of alleged fake diploma could trigger horizontal conflict in the form of societal division. Jokowi denied that perception and assessed that the developing polemic does not reach a level threatening social stability.
The fake diploma issue in question has resurfaced in recent times after accusations circulated in the public sphere doubting the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma, particularly regarding his educational history at Universitas Gadjah Mada or UGM. These accusations have been widely discussed on social media and prompted several parties to demand open clarification.
According to Jokowi, the matter is a personal affair because it directly involves the defamation of his name, even though its impact extends to the public sphere.
“No, this is just my personal matter because my name is being smeared, that’s it,” said Jokowi when met by journalists at his residence in Sumber, Banjarsari Subdistrict, Solo, on Friday, 10 April 2026.
Jusuf Kalla’s previous statement related to his suggestion that Jokowi show the original diploma to the public to quell the polemic. JK assessed that the matter was simple and could be quickly resolved with transparency.
“I am sure Mr Jokowi has an original diploma. Let’s stop this, it’s a matter that can be resolved by Mr Jokowi simply showing his original diploma,” said JK at the Bareskrim Polri Building in Jakarta, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
In response to that, Jokowi emphasised that in a legal context, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. He rejected the reversed logic of proof, where the accused is asked to prove their innocence.
“That too we leave to the existing legal process. And indeed, it is the accuser who must prove it. Not me being asked to show it. Otherwise, anyone can accuse and then the accused is asked to show proof, that’s backwards,” said Jokowi.
On the other hand, Jokowi also mentioned the legal steps taken against the parties spreading the accusations. The name Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has emerged after being reported to the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police for alleged defamation and spreading hoaxes.
According to Jokowi, resolution through legal channels is the appropriate mechanism to test the truth of the accusations while providing legal certainty for all involved parties.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that he does not wish to speculate further and chooses to fully entrust the handling of the case to law enforcement authorities.
“I do not want to speculate, leave everything to the existing legal process,” he said.