Jokowi’s “Fake Diploma” Case Escalates: Police uncover Criminal Elements, Roy suryo remains Silent

Jakarta – A new phase has been reached in the investigation into allegations of a fake diploma concerning President Joko Widodo.The Indonesian National Police have announced that three out of five reported cases have now advanced to the investigation stage,with clear indications of criminal activity.This progress marks a meaningful turning point in a case that has garnered considerable public attention and become a focal point for political discourse.

While the specifics of the criminal elements identified are still under wraps, the advancement to the investigation stage suggests that investigators believe there is sufficient evidence to pursue these claims further. The remaining two reports, initially dismissed due to the reporter’s non-compliance with clarification invitations, will nonetheless undergo further review to ensure absolute legal certainty.

Amidst this intensifying investigation, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Roy Suryo, who has been a prominent voice in these allegations, has reportedly chosen to remain silent when questioned by investigators. His decision to not cooperate with the examination raises questions and fuels further speculation about the basis of the claims he has made.The evidence presented by the Jokowi camp, intended to refute the allegations, is substantial. It includes a flash disk containing 24 YouTube video links, content from social media platform X, a legalized photocopy of his diploma, a photocopy of his thesis cover, and an endorsement sheet. These materials are crucial in the ongoing effort to establish the authenticity of President Widodo’s academic qualifications.

To address the accusations, President Widodo’s legal team has invoked several articles of the Criminal Code, including Articles 310 and 311, and provisions within the Details and Electronic Transaction (ITE) Law, specifically Articles 27A and 45 paragraph (4). These legal frameworks are designed to combat defamation,libel,and the dissemination of false information,especially when it impacts public figures and the nation’s reputation.

At its core,this investigation is grappling with two primary concerns: the integrity of President Widodo’s academic credentials and the ramifications of spreading what are alleged to be false or misleading narratives that affect the head of state and,by extension,the country.

Evergreen insight: Allegations, especially those leveled against public figures, often serve as proxies for deeper political or social grievances. The legal process, while aiming for objective truth, can also become a battleground for narratives and influence. The role of evidence, due process, and the public’s perception all play crucial parts in shaping the outcome and the lasting impact of such cases on democratic discourse. The silence of key figures in such investigations, while legally permissible, often speaks volumes in the court of public opinion, highlighting the intricate dance between legal proceedings and the broader societal narrative.

What specific evidence presented in the viral video of early 2024 prompted the Indonesian National Police to launch a criminal examination in July 2025?

Jokowi Diploma Scandal: Criminal Investigation Intensifies

The Allegations & Timeline of the Jokowi Diploma Controversy

The controversy surrounding President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) academic credentials has resurfaced with renewed intensity, escalating into a formal criminal investigation. The core of the scandal revolves around allegations that jokowi’s diploma from sebelas Maret University (UNS) in surakarta contains inconsistencies and may not be genuine. This isn’t a new claim; accusations have circulated since 2012, gaining traction again in recent months fueled by social media and political opponents. Key dates in the unfolding saga include:

2012: Initial allegations surface during Jokowi’s first run for Jakarta Governor.

2014: Similar claims emerge during the Presidential election campaign. UNS reaffirms the diploma’s validity after an internal review.

Early 2024: A viral video featuring a comparative analysis of Jokowi’s diploma and official UNS templates reignites the debate.

July 2025: The Indonesian national Police (Polri) officially launches a criminal investigation into the alleged forgery.

Polri’s Criminal Investigation: What We Know

The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) is now leading the investigation.The police report was filed by a group of concerned citizens, citing potential violations of Indonesia’s laws regarding falsification of documents (Article 263 of the Criminal Code) and providing false data to authorities.

Here’s a breakdown of the current status:

Witness Examination: Polri has begun summoning witnesses, including UNS officials and individuals involved in the initial investigations.

Document Verification: A forensic document examination is underway, comparing the alleged discrepancies in Jokowi’s diploma with official UNS records and diploma templates.This includes analyzing the paper type, font, and security features.

Expert Testimony: Forensic experts specializing in document analysis are being consulted to provide self-reliant assessments.

Potential Charges: If evidence of forgery is found, Jokowi could face criminal charges, possibly impacting his political legacy and the stability of the Indonesian government. The maximum penalty for document forgery under Article 263 is a seven-year prison sentence.

Key Discrepancies Highlighted by Critics

Critics point to several alleged inconsistencies in Jokowi’s diploma:

Font Differences: The font used on the diploma allegedly differs from the fonts used by UNS during the period Jokowi graduated.

Logo Variations: Minor variations in the UNS logo on the diploma compared to official university records have been identified.

Diploma Numbering System: Questions have been raised about the diploma’s serial number and its alignment with UNS’s numbering system at the time.

Paper Quality: Some analysts claim the paper quality of the diploma doesn’t match the standard used by UNS in the early 1980s.

These discrepancies, while seemingly minor individually, collectively fuel the suspicion of forgery. The investigation aims to determine whether these are legitimate concerns or simply variations within acceptable tolerances.

UNS’s Response & previous Investigations

Sebelas Maret University has consistently defended the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma. Following the initial allegations in 2012 and 2014, UNS conducted internal reviews and reaffirmed the diploma’s validity. However, critics argue these internal investigations lacked openness and were biased in favor of protecting the university’s reputation.

UNS Rector,Dr. Tampar Collins,stated in a press conference on July 8th,2025,”We are fully cooperating with the Polri investigation and are confident that the truth will prevail. President Jokowi is an alumnus of UNS, and his diploma is legitimate.” However, the university has faced criticism for its initial reluctance to release detailed records for independent verification.

Political Implications & Public Sentiment

The timing of the renewed investigation is notable, occurring amidst ongoing political maneuvering ahead of the 2029 Presidential election. Opponents of the current ruling party are leveraging the scandal to discredit Jokowi and his political allies.

Public sentiment is divided. While Jokowi maintains high approval ratings the diploma scandal has eroded some public trust. Social media platforms are flooded with discussions, conspiracy theories, and calls for transparency. The hashtag #JokowiDiploma has been trending nationally on Twitter and TikTok.

Related Search Terms & Keywords

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the following keywords are relevant to this developing story:

Jokowi Diploma

Jokowi Gelar

Sebelas Maret University (UNS)

Indonesian National Police (Polri)

Bareskrim Polri

Diploma Forgery

Document Fraud

Indonesian Politics

Jokowi Controversy

Jokowi credential Scandal

Article 263 KUHP (Indonesian Criminal Code)

Jokowi Alumni UNS

Jokowi Ijazah Palsu (Fake Diploma)

Microscopic Examination: Analyzing the paper fibers, ink composition, and printing techniques.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Analysis: Detecting alterations or repairs to the document.