Rismon Sianipar Visits Jokowi to Offer Apology

One of the defendants in the case involving allegations of forged credentials of former President Joko Widodo, Rismon Sianipar, visited the former president’s residence on Thursday afternoon, 12 March 2026. Rismon came to offer an apology.

“Of course I apologise to Jokowi. I also apologise to the public, especially to the parties involved such as Jokowi,” said Rismon when met by journalists after visiting Jokowi at his residence in Sumber.

Rismon disclosed the latest developments in his research concerning Jokowi’s diploma. He also admitted feeling hurt by findings from his further research that confirmed the authenticity of Jokowi’s UGM diploma.

“I must be honest in stating that my findings will be criticised, insulted, and labelled as betrayal. But research is research, and research can test research results,” he said.

According to him, his research findings had been submitted to investigators at the Jakarta Metro Police’s Regional Headquarters approximately one week earlier.

“Yes, that answer should be answered using methodology. Not through narrative claims that it is forged or authentic. Through methodology, yes, it must be answered and it must be objective,” he added.

He emphasised that there were no irregularities regarding digital manipulation as concluded in Jokowi’s White Paper book.

“The authenticity of this diploma is preserved, and it has even hurt me as a researcher as well. But truth sometimes hurts. Truth can be painful. That is what I conveyed to the investigators and to the director of the criminal investigation division. Not out of fear,” he said.

Rismon’s legal representative, Jahmada Girsang, explained that the meeting between his client and Jokowi took place in a friendly atmosphere. He explained that the meeting was related to efforts to resolve the case concerning the report filed by Jokowi on 30 April 2025.

According to Jahmada, his client met with Jokowi first, followed by him a few minutes later. He arrived after preparing food brought as part of Batak ethnic tradition.

“Our goal is indeed to resolve this case, particularly between Rismon and Pak Jokowi regarding the report from 30 April last year,” said Jahmada.

He explained that during the meeting, he also presented an explanation regarding the conditions and mechanisms for case resolution through restorative justice. One of the main requirements in this mechanism is mutual forgiveness between the two parties.

“What are the conditions of the RJ mechanism? There must be mutual forgiveness. That is what we conveyed. We have also prepared a written concept for it,” he said.

Jahmada added that the process would continue, particularly to complete the administrative requirements necessary for the case resolution mechanism. He described the atmosphere of the meeting as fairly relaxed. Both parties even had casual conversations and laughed together during the meeting.

“The meeting was quite friendly. We even laughed inside. Especially approaching Ramadan like this, the atmosphere was exactly as we hoped,” he said.

Rismon added that during the meeting he gave Jokowi food called naniarsik and ulos. He noted that in Batak tradition, the giving of naniarsik is a form of respect.

“We regard Pak Jokowi as a respected person, and there was peace today. (Besides food/naniarsik?), there is ulos,” said Rismon.

Jokowi has not yet issued a statement regarding his meeting with Rismon. The father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka briefly greeted journalists when leaving his residence and asked whether they had broken their fast.

“Have you broken your fast yet?” asked Jokowi as he entered his car. He then immediately departed from the residence.