Rismon Sianipar Confirms Authenticity of President Jokowi's Diploma
Jakarta — Rismon Sianipar, a digital forensics researcher who had previously cast doubt on the authenticity of the diploma of Joko Widodo, the seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia, has now confirmed its genuineness.
The author of a book titled “Jokowi’s White Paper” has retracted his earlier allegation questioning the authenticity of Widodo’s graduation certificate from Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
“Yes, it is authentic. Why? Based on my research, which is why I say that truth hurts, but what hurts me even more is if I don’t reveal it,” Sianipar said after meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming at the Vice President’s office in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.
In his research, he compared the image of Widodo’s diploma previously uploaded by Dian Sandi Utama. His findings identified three key authenticating features confirming the authenticity of Widodo’s diploma.
“There are three main elements: the embossing in the bottom left corner is present, the watermark exists, and these features are consistent with what was uploaded by Dian Sandi Utama. Don’t say it isn’t there; it saddens me,” Sianipar said.
“I hope this can be resolved in 2026. I told Vice President Gibran earlier that my redemption for all this commotion, whether caused by me or others, I will dedicate to Vice President’s family and especially to President Joko Widodo,” Sianipar stated.
Before meeting Gibran, Sianipar had previously met with Widodo at his residence in Solo.
Sianipar made the statement together with his lawyer, Jahmada Girsang, after visiting Widodo in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
“Yes, of course (I’m apologising). I am also apologising to the public. Especially to the relevant parties such as President Jokowi,” Sianipar said on Thursday.
Sianipar, who has long questioned the authenticity of Widodo’s diploma, now feels hurt by his own findings from the research.
“I am also hurt by my own findings because I must honestly state that my findings will be criticised, insulted, and labelled as betrayal,” Sianipar said.