Still Suspect in Jokowi Diploma Case, Rismon Sianipar Remains Obligated to Report

Rismon Sianipar has apologised to seventh President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka regarding the diploma controversy. Police have stated that Rismon remains obligated to report at Metro Jaya Police headquarters.

“He can coordinate with the investigator for certain reasons (obligation to report during Eid). Reporting obligations serve to monitor individuals with suspect status,” said Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Metro Jaya Police, to journalists on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Hermanto stated that investigators would provide flexibility for Rismon should he have special reasons for missing required reporting sessions. He noted that absences are permitted during major Islamic holidays, specifically Eid al-Fitr.

“However, if the individual coordinates and provides special reasons, the investigator will certainly provide flexibility on humanitarian grounds. During major Islamic occasions, including Eid al-Fitr prayers and family gatherings, such absences remain permissible,” he explained.

Hermanto clarified that requests for reporting exemptions cannot be delegated to others. However, Rismon may send a letter to the investigator or communicate via WhatsApp to provide clear evidence of legitimate reasons for absence.

“It cannot be delegated. The legal status of a suspect cannot be transferred. Parents and family members cannot assume the burden, but the individual concerned must. However, they can send a notification letter confirming to the investigator,” he said.

“Or communicate via telephone or WhatsApp with clear evidence that can be legally substantiated showing certain reasons exist. As long as there is communication with the investigator with valid reasons, the investigator can certainly provide flexibility,” he concluded.

Rismon Offers Apology

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has submitted an apology. He has also met with Jokowi at his residence in Solo.

Previously, Rismon uploaded a video of his apology to Jokowi and Gibran. Rismon initially claimed to have discovered new evidence regarding Jokowi’s diploma, which had been accused of being fraudulent.

“Based on my current research, which continues my previous investigation, I have discovered new evidence concerning Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma,” said Rismon, as seen on the Balige Academy YouTube channel on Thursday, 12 March.

Rismon stated he is withdrawing from allegations regarding Jokowi’s fraudulent diploma and Gibran’s diploma. He will issue a rebuttal against books about Jokowi and Gibran that he authored.

“Therefore, I am withdrawing from the matter concerning Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma, including Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma. I will provide a counter-thesis by writing an antithesis to my books Jokowi Paper and Gibran End Game, which are my responsibility. I will make every effort to withdraw these books that have already circulated,” he said.

He stated he has no interest in politics. He felt he had been exploited by certain parties regarding the Jokowi and Gibran diploma controversy.

“From the outset, I have had no interest in politics, and therefore I am withdrawing myself from any political contest that may be related to Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma and Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma. From this moment onwards, given that I feel exploited by those who have raised questions about Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma and Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma,” he said.

Rismon believes the Indonesian National Police have handled the Jokowi diploma controversy professionally. He is prepared to assist the police in educating the public if required.

“The police have worked professionally on Mr Joko Widodo’s diploma matter, and I hereby state my readiness to assist every step forward by the police to educate the public regarding whatever is deemed necessary and required,” he explained.

Rismon subsequently offered his apology to Jokowi and Gibran. He hopes his apology will be accepted.

“From the depths of my heart, for the sake of honesty and objectivity in research on this matter, I hereby apologise to Mr Joko Widodo and Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka. I sincerely hope Mr Joko Widodo will accept my apology, and I am prepared to state this directly in person to Mr Joko Widodo in Solo. I will also pursue restorative justice for the resolution of my legal matter,” said Rismon.

Furthermore, Rismon appealed to other parties involved in the controversy to be open-minded. He hopes other parties will follow his steps in pursuing restorative justice.

“I urge once more all other parties involved in this matter to open their hearts and minds so they can follow the steps I am taking,” he added.