Jokowi Forgives Rismon Sianipar, Hands Legal Matter to Lawyers and Police

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has revealed that he met with Rismon Sianipar, who is accused of forging academic qualifications. Jokowi stated that he has forgiven Sianipar.

“Yes, Pak Rismon Sianipar came to my residence yesterday and I accepted his apology,” Jokowi said on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Jokowi stated that he is delegating the legal matter regarding the alleged fake credentials to his legal advisers. He has handed over the restorative justice process to his lawyers and the police.

“Regarding the restorative justice matter, I am delegating this to my legal advisers, as it falls under the authority of the Metro Regional Police and the investigators at Metro Jaya Police,” he explained.

Previously, Sianipar visited Jokowi’s residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, Solo on Thursday afternoon, 12 March, to apologise. Sianipar stated that his visit was to seek forgiveness from Jokowi.

“Of course, I also apologise to the public, especially to the relevant parties like Pak Joko Widodo. This is the responsibility of a researcher who must be independent and willing to be criticised, despite the narratives directed at me, even though those narratives cannot be justified scientifically,” he said after meeting with Jokowi.