PDI-P Mocks Jokowi's Degree Certificate; PSI: 'Why Wasn't It Scrutinised During His Mayoral, Governor and Presidential Terms?'

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – PSI Deputy Chairperson Bestari Barus stated that the PDI-P should be the party most aware of former President Joko Widodo’s degree certificate. Given that Jokowi previously ran for mayor of Solo, Jakarta governor, and Indonesian president under the PDI-P banner. ‘Regarding the degree certificate, we’ll just wait for the right time. But the public should have confirmed this with Djarot earlier. When he became mayor for his second term, Jakarta governor, and president, why wasn’t it scrutinised?’ Bestari told Kompas.com on Sunday (31 May 2026). Bestari declined to comment further on PDI-P’s remarks regarding Jokowi’s planned tour of Indonesia for PSI and Projo. ‘What’s there to respond to? It’s completely empty. It’s just empty. Such remarks by party officials towards another party are unprofessional,’ he added. ‘Why doesn’t he sort out his own party organisation instead? If he’s anxious, there’s no need to display it so openly. I’m confused about what to respond to because it’s baseless. It’s completely unprofessional,’ Bestari continued. Previously, PDI-P Deputy Chairperson Djarot Saiful Hidayat called on former President Joko Widodo to present his original degree certificate to end ongoing public controversy. According to Djarot, this approach is simpler than allowing the issue to continue through legal processes, even up to court. Djarot stated that Jokowi need only present the disputed certificate to provide public certainty and cease further questions about its authenticity. ‘But he should also explain and present it so the public is fully convinced the certificate is genuine. Just show the diploma,’ he said. The former Jakarta governor said this could help quell the recurring controversy. ‘Perhaps to neutralise the situation, he could present his original certificate to end the controversy. So, go ahead,’ Djarot said. The statement was made by Djarot when responding to journalists’ questions about Jokowi’s planned tour of several regions after his health improved.