Rismon Sianipar Confirms Authenticity of Jokowi and Gibran's Diplomas

Digital forensics researcher and expert Rismon Sianipar has affirmed the authenticity of the diplomas of Indonesia’s seventh President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka through an antithesis book currently being written and scheduled for publication.

The diploma controversy involving Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Gibran, previously alleged as fraudulent in two of Sianipar’s books titled “Jokowi’s White Paper” and “Gibran End Game”, has now been refuted by Rismon following further comprehensive study.

This declaration came after Rismon met Vice President Gibran at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday and offered a direct apology.

“Yes, they are authentic. Why? Based on my research, that is why I say ‘truth hurts’. Truth is painful. But it is more painful for me if I do not reveal it and am not being honest,” Sianipar told media at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday.

Based on further investigation over the past three months, Sianipar discovered evidence of Jokowi’s diploma authenticity, namely the presence of watermarks and embossing and other features in the document that demonstrate consistency when compared with photos of the diploma uploaded by Dian Sandi Utama.

He acknowledged that the discovery of stamp marks not visible in diploma photographs was obtained by incorporating variables of geometric lighting, light intensity and conclusions regarding lens type in reconstruction during the latest research.

“I reported three main findings: embossing in the lower left corner, watermark present, and features consistent with what was uploaded by Dian Sandi Utama. Do not say it does not exist; it saddens me,” Sianipar said.

To refute the allegations of fraudulent diplomas in the two books he authored, Sianipar informed Gibran that he would write an antithesis book to “Jokowi’s White Paper” and “Gibran End Game”.

“I indeed told the Vice President that I will write corrections to my incomplete research: Jokowi’s White Paper and Gibran End Game. And I have requested permission to complete it in my hometown in Balige. I will publish it,” he stated.

He added that writing this book would require at least six months, with the expectation that it could be published later this year.