Vice President Gibran Accepts Apology from Rismon Sianipar over Fake Diploma Allegation

Jakarta — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has responded to an apology presented by Rismon Sianipar, a suspect in the case alleging a forged diploma belonging to seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

The Vice President welcomed the apology and assessed that Sianipar’s statement and conduct demonstrated maturity in democratic participation.

“Ramadan is an excellent month for forgiving one another and rekindling the bonds of brotherhood,” said Vice President Gibran in a written statement on Thursday (12 March 2026).

Previously, Sianipar uploaded a video on YouTube on Thursday to provide clarification regarding allegations of a fake diploma. In the video, he also apologised to Widodo and Gibran.

“I have discovered new evidence regarding the diploma of President Joko Widodo. Accordingly, I am withdrawing from the matter concerning President Joko Widodo’s diploma, including that of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.”

Beyond uploading the video, Sianipar also visited Widodo’s residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, Solo. Sianipar stated that his visit was to personally apologise to Widodo. He described the apology as a demonstration of responsibility as a researcher.

“Of course, I also apologise to the public. Particularly to the parties involved, such as President Joko Widodo. That is the accountability of a researcher who must be independent, who is willing to be criticised and insulted with narratives of their choosing, even though those narratives cannot be justified scientifically,” he said after meeting Widodo, as quoted by detikJateng on Thursday (12 March 2026).