Jokowi's Protracted 'False Certificate' Case

The information dispute trial held by the Central Information Commission (KIP) in mid-November 2025 attracted public attention. The chairman of the Assembly asked sharp questions to Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and the Surakarta General Election Commission (KPU) regarding the existence of a copy of the certificate of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

On the other hand, former Minister of Youth and Sports Roy Suryo along with seven other people have been named as suspects. They were charged with alleged defamation and manipulation of documents related to Jokowi's diploma.

This case is not new. Since 2019, this issue has continued. Not only about personal documents, but also regarding the credibility of the institution, accountability of officials, and the accuracy of facts.

In January 2019, Umar Kholid was arrested for his upload on Facebook. He questioned the authenticity of Jokowi's high school diploma. According to him, in a written diploma graduated from SMAN 6 Surakarta in 1980, even though the school was founded in 1986.

Then, a book entitled "Jokowi Undercover 2: Fake Man of Fake Diplomas" appeared. Written by Bambang Tri Mulyono, the book contains accusations of Jokowi's educational history. Bambang sued Jokowi to the Central Jakarta District Court, but the lawsuit was dropped because he was a suspect in another case.

In 2024, it was Eggi Sudjana's turn to sue Jokowi for alleged use of fake diplomas to the same court.

Now, Roy Suryo and his group are again questioning the authenticity of the diploma. He said the documents submitted to the KPU in 2014 were fake. The suspects were banned from going abroad and subject to weekly reporting.

At the KIP trial, the facts were revealed. The Solo KPU is said to have destroyed the presidential nomination archive from 2014, which was supposed to be used as verification. This claim was later clarified by the Solo KPU.

Meanwhile, Constitutional Court Judge Arsul Sani, who was accused of having a fake doctoral diploma, responded quickly. He showed the original documents and graduation photos.

On the other hand, Jokowi has not done the same thing. The original certificate has never been disclosed to the public.

Constitutional law expert Denny Indrayana stated that the polemic of this diploma would be over if Jokowi followed Arsul Sani's steps. He wrote, "A million pieces of evidence even if it becomes meaningless if Jokowi is reluctant to show an original diploma."

He compared Arsul Sani's open attitude with Jokowi's silence. For Denny, this is not only a matter of right or wrong, but a matter of follow-up norms.

Observers such as Dedi Kurnia Syah and Feri Amsari assess that this issue has two dimensions. First, about factual authenticity of documents. Second, political tools to maintain a certain narrative or position.

Dedi regretted that even though Jokowi was no longer in office, this issue was still hanging. Feri said that if proven to be fake, it would have a criminal impact, not just politics.

That is, it is not only a matter of authenticity, but why this has never been answered completely.

The KIP trial expressed institutional anxiety. The chairman of the panel questioned UGM and the Solo KPU regarding important documents such as diplomas and nomination archives.

There are three things to note, namely the integrity of officials, the readiness of public institutions, and the narrative versus facts. If a president uses a certificate that is doubtful, the precedent for other officials will be weak. If the archive disappears, the public loses the basis for verification. If the narrative continues to be maintained, the public is only exploited by perceptions.

The issue of diploma is not just academic. This is a matter of trust in the system. If basic documents such as diplomas cannot be verified, what else can be trusted by the state?.

Therefore, Jokowi or related parties must open the original document. UGM through the rector has confirmed that Jokowi is an UGM alumnus but the diploma is held in question. The KPU must also explain the status of the 2014 nomination archive. Legal investigations cannot stop at the status of suspects. There must be clarity and accountability.

From a simple document, this problem has transformed into a political tool and an institutional test. If a figure wants to open his diploma, trust can be restored.

If not, then not only diplomas are a puzzle. But also the future of public trust in state institutions.

This case is actually simple. Show a diploma, then the problem is resolved. Like what Arsul Sani did. And that's not a disgrace.