Lawyer: Jokowi Does Not Want to Rush in Fake Diploma Case

Lawyer: Jokowi Does Not Want to Rush in Fake Diploma Case

Rivai Kusumanegara, the attorney for the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), said Jokowi does not want to rush the handling of the alleged fake diploma case at Polda Metro Jaya. “If we look at it, first of all, Pak Jokowi does not want to rush,” Rivai said on CNN Indonesia TV’s Head to Head programme on Wednesday night (20 May). He said the investigative process must be carried out carefully so that those truly responsible are prosecuted under the law and to prevent people not involved from being dragged into the case. “We must not let those who should be held accountable not be held to account, while those who should be held responsible are released. So let it work objectively; there is no need to rush,” he said.

Nevertheless, Jokowi’s camp still hopes the case can be continued to trial. Moreover, he said, the controversy surrounding the case has become public consumption and pulls in many parties. “UGM is dragged, KPU dragged, and many other parties. The Ministry of Education and Culture is likewise. We hope this can be taken to trial so that everything is clear. The main question is whether the diploma is authentic or fake. And this all has consequences,” he said.

He said the case also needs to be brought to trial so that similar polemics do not recur in the future. “For Pak Jokowi, there is certainty also whether his good name will be restored or not. Including there is a guarantee that five years from now this issue won’t be raised by any group if it is not answered,” he said.

The case of allegations of Jokowi’s fake diploma being handled by Polda Metro Jaya continues for five suspects: Roy Suryo, Kurnia Tri Rohyani, Rustam Effendi, Muhammad Rizal Fadillah, and Tifauzah Tyassuma alias Dr Tifa. “The investigative process against the other suspects will continue until the trial stage in court,” said Kombes Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya at a press conference on Friday (17/4). Iman said for three other suspects, Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, Eggi Sudjana and Damai Hari Lubis, a termination of investigation order (SP3) has been issued.