Jokowi Feels 'Utterly Humiliated', Dokter Tifa Refuses Peace in Diploma Defamation Case
Tifauzia Tyassuma, alias Dr Tifa, faced her first hearing in a case involving alleged defamation related to the diploma of the 7th President, Jokowi, at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday (2/7).
Tifa stated that she was accompanied by 25 advocates during the hearing. “I am here at the East Jakarta District Court to fulfil the summons from the prosecution, alongside my 25 advocates,” Tifa said before the trial began. She noted that her legal team, the Dr Tifa Defence Team, consists of experts in the field of law.
During the trial, Tifa was indicted for slander and defamation regarding her statements concerning the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. The public prosecutor (JPU) stated that the defendant’s actions involved making false accusations. This is because Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has officially confirmed that Jokowi is a graduate of the Faculty of Forestry at UGM, in accordance with academic facts; however, the defendant continued to allege that his undergraduate diploma was forged through social media posts and talk shows.
“Regarding the defendant’s accusations against the witness Jokowi, the defendant cannot prove her claims, and the accusations contradict what the defendant knows. Therefore, the defendant’s actions constitute an attack on the honour of the witness, Jokowi, using information technology,” the prosecutor stated.
Jokowi feels demeaned
The prosecutor stated that Jokowi was a student at the Faculty of Forestry, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), officially registered since 28 July 1980. During his studies, the prosecutor noted, Jokowi completed all academic requirements as per the 1982 Undergraduate Study Programme Guide, totaling 160 credits, after which UGM issued Forestry Bachelor’s Degree Number 1120, dated 5 November 1985, in the name of Jokowi.
The prosecutor stated that as a result of Dr Tifa’s allegations of a fake diploma, Jokowi has suffered non-material losses. “As a result of the Defendant’s actions, the witness Jokowi has suffered non-material loss, namely the defamation of his personal reputation. He feels deeply insulted and demeaned, and there are even parties who have joined in accusing Jokowi of using a fake diploma to meet the requirements for previous public office candidacy, namely as Mayor of Solo, Governor of Jakarta, and the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia,” the prosecutor said.
For her actions, Tifa faces primary charges under Article 434 paragraph 1 juncto 441 paragraph 1 juncto 126 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), and subsidiary charges under Article 433 paragraph 1 juncto 441 paragraph 1 juncto 126 paragraph 1 of the KUHP. She also faces a second indictment under Article 434 paragraph 1 of the KUHP, with subsidiary charges involving defamation and violations of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE).
Tifa rejects peace with Jokowi
During the trial, after the prosecutor read the indictment, the panel of judges explained that under the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the defendant could seek restorative justice or a settlement because the threat of imprisonment in the indictment is below five years. “The defendant, based on the indictment read earlier, has several charges that meet the provisions of Article 204 paragraph 5, where the threat is under five years; you may attempt a settlement with the victim,” the judge said. “If not, will you admit to the charges according to the provisions of Article 205 or 206, or will you mount a defence?”
Tifa was given time to consult with her legal counsel. Following the consultation, Tifa stated that she rejected the proposal for restorative justice. “Based on my consultation with my advocates, first, I will not pursue restorative justice. Second, I will mount a defence. Third, I will not accept a plea bargain,” Tifa declared.
The judge then announced that the trial would continue next Thursday (9/7).
Tifa challenges Jokowi to show diploma
Following the trial, Tifa stated that Jokowi must present his original diploma both in court and to the public. She argued that Jokowi is also obligated to attend the trial. She maintained that to prove she committed slander and defamation, Jokowi must produce the undergraduate diploma that has been contested. “So, how can Mr Joko Widodo prove that I am committing defamation or slander? Mr Joko Widodo must show his original diploma. Not just in court, but also to the public,” Tifa said.
Jokowi is ready to attend and show diploma
The legal counsel for the 7th President of Indonesia, Yakup Hasibuan, stated that his client is prepared to attend the trial regarding the alleged defamation case involving Dr Tifa. “Yesterday, we met directly with Mr Jokowi, and he stated he is ready to attend,” Yakup said after the indictment reading.
He noted that Jokowi intends to use the court forum to present his diploma. He stated that Jokowi has been under attack by various narratives in other forums. “Now we have the opportunity to present his diploma in this honourable forum, and Mr Jokowi respects that and is looking forward to that moment,” Yakup said.
He added that investigators had previously seized Jokowi’s high school and undergraduate diplomas. Yakup mentioned that Jokowi is prepared to attend and present diplomas dating as far back as primary school, as the previously seized documents only covered his high school and UGM credentials.