
Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id – President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, has filed an official defamation complaint with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) following widespread allegations questioning the authenticity of his academic diploma. The case has sparked intense public debate and drawn the attention of prominent figures accused of disseminating defamatory content.
The report was filed on April 30, 2025, citing slanderous claims circulating on social media platforms and YouTube, alleging that Jokowi holds a fake bachelor’s degree. According to the police, the report potentially involves violations of Articles 310 and 311 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, and Article 35 in conjunction with Article 51 paragraph (1) of the ITE Law (Law No. 11/2008, amended by Law No. 1/2024).
Senior Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, Head of Public Relations at Polda Metro Jaya, confirmed that investigators have collected various pieces of evidence, including:
A flash drive containing 24 YouTube video links and posts from X (formerly Twitter),
Photocopies of diplomas allegedly used in the defamatory content,
Legalized printouts of academic documents,
Photocopies of thesis cover pages and approval sheets.
“This is still within the investigation stage. All submitted documents are being evaluated for authenticity and relevance,” Ade Ary told reporters on Thursday, May 15.
The police have so far questioned 24 individuals to clarify their roles in spreading or producing the controversial content. Among those summoned for questioning are telecommunications expert Roy Suryo, medical doctor Tifauzia Tyassuma, and podcaster Michael Sinaga.
On May 14, podcaster Michael Sinaga underwent questioning but could not complete the session due to exhaustion after answering approximately 50 questions. “The examination will be continued on Monday,” Michael said, refraining from disclosing the content of the questions.
The complaint identifies several individuals involved in creating or sharing the alleged defamatory material. While their full identities have not been publicly disclosed, they are known by the initials RHS, RSN, TT, ES, and KTR. Investigators are in the process of confirming whether a criminal offense has been committed.
“JW (Joko Widodo) has urged those responsible for the defamatory content to take responsibility,” said Ade Ary.
President Jokowi has expressed readiness to cooperate fully with the investigation. He stated that he is willing to submit his original diploma for digital forensic examination if required by the authorities.
“If necessary, please do so,” said Jokowi during his visit to Polda Metro Jaya.
The fake diploma issue has resurfaced in public discourse multiple times, often driven by viral online content and political commentary. Jokowi’s alma mater, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has consistently denied the allegations and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the President’s academic records.
Meanwhile, UGM is also facing a separate Rp69 trillion lawsuit from academic Komarudin over the same diploma issue—adding further complexity to an already heated controversy.