Jusuf Kalla on advising Jokowi regarding his diploma: As a senior

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that he offered advice to the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, regarding his diploma 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. Additionally, JK claimed it was necessary to advise because he viewed the public as having been quarrelling for two years over the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. “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 diploma polemic, so he once refused to meet with 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. To keep me neutral,” he said. “What more could I do? I was the one who brought him to Jakarta,” he added. “I was the one who helped Jokowi. Ask him. Show this photo. He’s still wearing his checkered shirt. Don’t make things up like that,” JK continued, affirming his good relationship with Jokowi. Previously, Jusuf Kalla provided testimony regarding Jokowi’s diploma after reporting Rismon to the National Police Headquarters (Polri) on 8 April 2026. At that time, JK advised Jokowi to show his original diploma to the public so that the issue involving him could end. “I am sure Jokowi has his original diploma. Actually, let’s stop this matter by Jokowi showing his original diploma,” JK said at the time.