Plaintiff Wins Twice at Information Commission: Implications for Jokowi's Diploma Case
The Central Information Commission (KIP) has issued two significant rulings that have upheld public demands for transparency regarding the educational credentials of Indonesia’s seventh president, Joko Widodo. These decisions targeted two key institutions: the Election Commission (KPU) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
Decision Against KPU (January 2026)
In the hearing of decision number 074/X/KIP-PSI/2025 on 13 January 2026, the KIP Commissioner Panel ruled that presidential nomination documents constitute open public information.
Disputed Matter: Copies of the diploma used in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections
Ruling: The panel granted the petition in full by petitioner Bonatua Silalahi and ordered KPU to disclose previously redacted data
Legal Basis: Diplomas used as qualifications for public office lose their confidential character in the interest of electoral transparency
Decision Against UGM (March 2026)
On 10 March 2026, KIP issued another ruling in case number 055/X/KIP-PSI/2025 against Gadjah Mada University. The panel granted the majority of demands from the “Expose Jokowi’s Diploma” (Bonjowi) coalition.
Legal Implications of KIP’s Rulings
These decisions affirm that all public bodies must conduct consequence testing before classifying information as confidential. The KIP determined that the rationale of “personal data protection” cannot be used absolutely to conceal documents possessing significant public interest value.
Key Questions
Why was this information access dispute pursued?
Petitioners stated that access to the original documents was necessary to ensure the integrity of democratic processes and to address public doubts emerging in society.
Will personal data within the diploma be fully disclosed?
The KIP ordered disclosure of information insofar as it does not violate the personal data of other parties (such as specific academic grades or family data unrelated to public office).
Conclusion
These two KIP rulings in 2026 represent a new milestone for implementing Indonesia’s Public Information Openness Law. This demonstrates that independent bodies such as the KIP possess the capacity to drive transparency, even in matters involving the nation’s highest office holders.