Vice President Gibran embraces Rismon at Palace after apology: We are brothers

Jakarta — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka received researcher Rismon Sianipar at the Vice President’s Palace in Jakarta on Friday, describing the two as brothers after the author of “Jokowi’s White Paper” delivered an apology.

Based on observations at the location, Rismon, accompanied by his lawyer, arrived at the Vice President’s Palace at approximately 10:00 WIB. The meeting between Gibran and Rismon was held closed to the media. After 45 minutes, Gibran and Rismon emerged from the Vice President’s office and addressed the media.

Gibran, wearing a dark blue suit and white shirt, spoke briefly and shook hands with Rismon. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Basically, we are brothers. That’s it, there is nothing else,” said Gibran as he embraced Rismon’s body.

Afterwards, Gibran presented a large parcel to Sianipar, who hails from Balige, North Sumatra. “Here, you’re going back to your hometown,” Gibran said to Sianipar. Upon hearing this, Sianipar laughed whilst carrying the parcel, though he appeared slightly overwhelmed by its size.

Through this clarification, Rismon presented several new findings for which he took scientific and academic responsibility, including one concerning the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. According to him, examination of the object, such as embossing and watermarks on the diploma, demonstrated consistency and thus supported evidence of the diploma’s authenticity.

On this occasion, he conveyed his apology to Jokowi and the public regarding his latest findings on Jokowi’s diploma. The apology represented his responsibility as a researcher after discovering changes in Jokowi’s diploma.

“Of course, I also apologise to the public. Especially to the relevant parties such as Mr Joko Widodo; that is the responsibility of a researcher who must be independent, ready to be criticised, insulted, with narratives as they please,” he said.

In response to this apology, Vice President Gibran stated in a written statement received by Antara in Jakarta on Thursday evening (12 March) that Ramadan is a good month for mutual forgiveness and rebuilding the bonds of brotherhood.

“Ramadan is a very good month for mutual forgiveness and rebuilding the bonds of brotherhood,” said Gibran.

Gibran also appreciated Rismon’s statement and stance in providing clarification and his willingness to reconsider his previous statements to the public. This step was deemed to have demonstrated maturity in democracy.