Roy Suryo and Doctor Tifa Not Detained by Prosecutors, Jokowi's Camp Suspects Intervention

The legal counsel for Indonesia’s 7th President Joko Widodo, Rivai Kusumanegara, has issued a firm response to the South Jakarta Prosecutor’s Office’s decision not to detain two suspects in a case involving allegations of a fake diploma, Roy Suryo and Tifauziah Tyassuma, also known as Doctor Tifa. Rivai stressed that personally, his client has no direct interest regarding the detention status of the suspects. According to him, detention is a matter of discretion and absolute authority for law enforcement officials to ensure the smooth running of investigations and prosecutions. ‘Pak Jokowi has no interest in whether the suspects are detained or not, as that is the authority of law enforcement for the purpose of their duties,’ Rivai stated in a written statement on Tuesday (23/6/2026). While respecting the legal process, Rivai offered a critical note on the prosecution’s change in stance. He observed an anomaly during the stage two handover, which involves the transfer of suspects and evidence. According to him, Polda Metro Jaya investigators had detained the suspects ahead of the handover, a step usually taken in coordination with or at the request of the prosecutor’s office according to internal regulations. However, once the case files were officially received, the prosecutors decided to release the suspects from detention. Rivai suspects that external factors influenced this sudden decision. ‘What is interesting is that at stage two, the prosecutors actually did not detain them, which raises suspicions of certain interventions that led the prosecutors to not proceed with the detention,’ he revealed. Rivai emphasised that his current focus is on safeguarding the independence of the Adhyaksa Corps. He noted that after the stage two handover, all legal rights and interests of Joko Widodo as the victim are fully represented by the Public Prosecutor. Previously, the Head of the South Jakarta Prosecutor’s Office, Marcelo Bellah, confirmed that his office did not detain Roy Suryo and Doctor Tifa after receiving the handover from Polda Metro Jaya on Monday (22/6). The decision was based on a suspension of detention request submitted by the suspects’ families and legal counsel. ‘Considering the family as guarantors who are willing to accept the risk if the suspects fail to appear in court, as well as a written statement from the suspects pledging to remain cooperative,’ Marcelo explained at the South Jakarta Prosecutor’s Office building. In response, Rivai expressed hope that the prosecution institution would remain steadfast in the principle of dominus litis and shield itself from external pressure in order to deliver a sense of justice for the victim.