Jokowi's Side Responds After JK Says Diploma Case Has Dragged On
Tenth and twelfth Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK), stated that the polemic surrounding the diploma of Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has dragged on for too long. Here is the response from Jokowi’s side.
According to detikNews, Jokowi’s legal counsel, Rivai Kusumanegara, stated that they are pushing for the case to be handed over to the prosecutor’s office promptly.
“We continue to urge the case to be transferred to the court to provide legal certainty regarding the authenticity of Mr Jokowi’s diploma,” said Jokowi’s legal counsel, Rivai Kusumanegara, when contacted on Friday (9/4/2026).
He explained that in this case, numerous witnesses—from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) officials, lecturers, to Jokowi’s peers—have already been questioned. Forensic laboratory tests have also been conducted.
Rivai hopes the case will proceed to trial. He believes this could provide legal certainty to restore the reputations of certain parties implicated in the case.
“In fact, if this case is halted, it is not impossible that the diploma issue will resurface in a few years, disrupting our public space once again. Legal certainty on the authenticity of Mr Jokowi’s diploma will also restore the reputations of parties that have been dragged into this, such as UGM, KPU, and the Ministry of Education,” he clarified.
Jokowi is reportedly ready to provide testimony in court. He also mentioned that Jokowi will directly present his original diplomas, which have been the subject of contention.
“Witnesses, including Mr Jokowi, are ready to give statements in the trial. Additionally, Mr Jokowi will show his diplomas from primary school to undergraduate level in court, which can be witnessed by the public and media,” he added.
Previously, JK assessed that the fake diploma polemic has dragged on. He made this statement after reporting Rismon Sianipar. Rismon was reported for allegedly spreading false information (hoax) claiming that JK funded Roy Suryo and others in the Jokowi diploma polemic.
“Actually, this case has been going on for 2 years, 3 years. It has disturbed the public, wasted time, harmed Mr Jokowi, harmed everyone; billions of rupiah have been spent on lawyers or, like in my case, my time has been wasted, getting involved,” said JK at the Bareskrim Polri building in South Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
The prolonged polemic of this diploma case is also said to have triggered societal division.
“Our time is wasted, the costs are high, and it causes division in society. Pro and contra is division, fighting tooth and nail 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 genuine diplomas.
“Actually, the problem is simple, because I am sure Mr Jokowi has genuine diplomas. We should just stop this case by having Mr Jokowi show his original diploma,” he said.
“I am sure Mr Jokowi understands the social losses from this 2-3 year issue. Just show it to the public and it’s done. I am sure Mr Jokowi will do that rather than us quarrelling, groups quarrelling for years, wasting time, losing social dignity; that is what we hope for,” JK added.