Jusuf Kalla Gives Advice to Jokowi on Degree Certificate: Why Not Show It?

Former 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla has claimed to have given advice to the 7th President of Indonesia Joko Widodo regarding his degree certificate. He did so in the context of being an older or senior figure. “I am older than him. So, as a more senior person, I advised him,” said JK, his familiar nickname, during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Additionally, JK said he needed to advise because he views the public as having been fighting for two years over the authenticity of Jokowi’s degree certificate. “Why not show it? Letting the public fight among themselves, hurling insults at each other for two years,” he said. JK stressed that he is in a neutral position in the Jokowi degree certificate polemic, so he once refused to meet parties questioning the authenticity of the document, such as Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar and Roy Suryo. “Rismon wanted to meet me with seven people, I didn’t accept. Roy Suryo wanted to meet, I refused. So that I could remain neutral,” he said. JK also mentioned having a good relationship with the former president, namely when Jokowi had not yet served as Governor of DKI Jakarta. “What more do I lack, really? I am the one who brought him to Jakarta,” he said. “I am the one who helped Jokowi. Ask him. Show this photo. He’s still wearing his checkered shirt. Don’t make things complicated like that,” JK continued, emphasising his good relationship with Jokowi. Previously, Jusuf Kalla provided information regarding Jokowi’s degree certificate after reporting Rismon to the National Police Headquarters (Polri) on 8 April 2026. At that time, JK advised Jokowi to show the original degree certificate to the public so that the issue that involved him could end. “I am sure Jokowi has the original degree certificate. Actually, let’s stop this matter by Jokowi showing his original degree certificate,” JK said at that time.