Jokowi takes witness stand and displays four diplomas in closely watched defamation trial.
Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo appeared before the East Jakarta District Court on November 5 to testify in a defamation case arising from longstanding allegations about his academic credentials. During the hearing, he displayed his university diploma as evidence while proceedings continued against two prominent critics.
Jokowi Appears Personally Before Court
Jokowi appeared at the East Jakarta District Court on November 5 to testify in proceedings involving former youth and sports minister Roy Suryo and health activist Tifauzia Tyassuma, widely known as Dr. Tifa. The two face separate defamation trials stemming from allegations that Jokowi’s university diploma was forged. Jokowi testified during Roy Suryo’s morning hearing and was expected to appear again for Tifauzia’s hearing in the afternoon.
Four Original Diplomas Displayed in Court
During the hearing, Jokowi displayed four original diplomas covering elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, and his undergraduate degree from Gadjah Mada University’s Faculty of Forestry. He presented the documents before the judges and other participants in the proceedings. Jokowi also clarified that he passed his undergraduate thesis examination on October 23, 1985, his university diploma was issued on November 5, and he attended his graduation ceremony on November 19 that year.
Trial Centers on Defamation Allegations
Prosecutors accuse Roy Suryo and Dr. Tifa of making or circulating statements alleging that Jokowi’s undergraduate diploma was forged. The proceedings are criminal defamation cases against the defendants, meaning the court is examining the charges brought by prosecutors rather than conducting a standalone lawsuit solely to determine whether Jokowi’s diploma is authentic. No final verdict against either defendant has yet been reported.
Supporters Gather as Security Tightens
Thousands of Jokowi supporters gathered outside the East Jakarta District Court as the former president arrived to testify, while supporters of the defendants also attended. Police deployed 6,770 officers and soldiers in three security rings to maintain order during the high-profile proceedings. The court arranged outdoor screens for people unable to enter, while officials took steps to manage overcrowding inside the courtroom.
Jokowi Asks Court to Resolve Long-Running Dispute
After presenting his documents and giving testimony, Jokowi said he was leaving the outcome to the judges and wanted the legal process to resolve accusations that had affected his reputation. His appearance does not itself determine the defendants’ guilt, and the documents presented will form part of the evidence considered as the trials continue.
Jokowi’s decision to appear personally and display his academic certificates brings the long-running diploma controversy directly into a courtroom, where evidence and testimony can be tested through formal legal procedures. For Indonesians, the proceedings carry significance for public trust, political discourse, and the boundaries of defamation law. For Singaporeans, the trial offers a closer view of a high-profile legal and political dispute involving Indonesia’s former president and one of the region’s largest democracies.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , EN Tempo (2026)
Keywords: Jokowi Diploma Case, Jokowi Court Testimony, Roy Suryo Trial, Fake Diploma Allegations, UGM Diploma, Indonesia Politics
