Lawyer: Jokowi Will Not Attend CLS Hearing on Diploma Authenticity

Former President Joko Widodo is confirmed not to be presented at the citizen lawsuit (CLS) hearing regarding the authenticity of his bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Forestry at Gadjah Mada University.

This confirmation was made by advocate YB Irpan on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at the Surakarta District Court whilst responding to Media Indonesia’s questions following the postponement hearing for submission of additional evidence from two plaintiffs, the main defendant, and the National Police as co-defendant.

Irpan explained that the reason for not presenting Jokowi was to protect him as the main defendant from any attempts or loopholes that could prove embarrassing. “Also, in civil litigation, full authority has been delegated to legal counsel,” Irpan stated.

The CLS hearing agenda for submission of additional evidence from the parties involved at the Surakarta District Court was postponed by judge Aris Gunawan, S.H. The postponement was necessary because Chief Judge Achmad Satibi is currently attending a nationwide training programme for court leaders.

“The postponement is a routine occurrence. However, the submission of additional evidence will still proceed, and the court will immediately upload it for validation at the follow-up session on Tuesday next week, 10 March 2026,” added YB Irpan.

He noted that the main defendant’s legal team submitted three pieces of additional evidence. “Our request was not granted on the grounds that the evidence is still required for investigation purposes, even pre-prosecution, which in legal terms is for prosecution research,” Irpan explained.

Meanwhile, the legal team representing the plaintiffs expressed disappointment over the postponement of the additional evidence hearing. “Yes, we are very disappointed indeed. Because our intention to present decisive evidence has not materialised,” said Wirawan Adnan, a member of the plaintiff’s legal team.