“Former Indonesian President Accused of Using Fake Diplomas, Skips Mediation at Solo District Court?”

Solo, Central Java – May 7, 2025
A legal storm is sweeping through Indonesia as former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) faces allegations of using fake academic diplomas to advance his political career. During the anticipated mediation session at the Solo District Court, Jokowi once again failed to appear and refused to present original copies of his high school and university diplomas, triggering rising public suspicion and growing international scrutiny.

Parties Involved:

Defendant: Ir. H. Joko Widodo, 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia

Plaintiff: Muhammad Taufiq, public attorney and concerned citizen

Mediator: Prof. Adi Sulistiyono, Senior Law Professor & Chief of the Mediation Panel

Defense Counsel: YB Irpan, representing Jokowi

MEDIATION COLLAPSES, COURTROOM AWAITS

The second closed-door mediation was held on May 7, 2025. Once again, Jokowi was absent, sending only his legal team—without the requested original documents. This has raised serious concerns over transparency, leadership morality, and the integrity of Indonesia’s democratic institutions.

Why This Case is Alarming

1. Potential Annulment of Past Elections
   If proven, Jokowi would have failed to meet the constitutional requirement for presidential candidates to hold at least a high school diploma (Article 182(k), Law No. 7/2017 on General Elections). This could legally undermine all past election results involving him.
2. Undermining Democratic Legitimacy
   A leader who rises to power through forged credentials represents a national-scale public fraud—violating the principle of fair and honest elections as enshrined in Article 22E of the 1945 Constitution.
3. Damaging Indonesia’s Global Reputation
   Such violations amount to fraud against the people, contradicting international standards on the rule of law and democratic governance upheld by the UN, Transparency International, and Democracy Watch International.

Relevant Laws and Penalties

Article 263 of the Indonesian Penal Code: Forging documents that create legal rights or obligations is punishable by up to 6 years in prison.

Article 68, Law No. 20/2003 on National Education System: Falsifying diplomas is subject to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of IDR 500 million.

UN Convention Against Corruption (2003): Forgery by public officials constitutes a serious breach of public trust, potentially warranting international sanctions.

Key Statements

Muhammad Taufiq, Plaintiff:

“The defendant’s absence is not just a legal offense—it’s a denial of truth itself. If the diplomas are genuine, why fear the courtroom?”

YB Irpan, Jokowi’s Legal Counsel:

“We reject the plaintiff’s legal standing. This is politically motivated. We will not present any documents unless compelled by proper legal procedures.”

Dr. Siti Halimah, Constitutional Law Expert (University of Indonesia):

“Forgery by a public official is not a private matter—it is a betrayal of the entire democratic system.”

Global Reaction Begins to Build

Democracy Watch International and Transparency Frontier have initiated independent monitoring of the case.

A global petition titled “Demand Truth from Asian Leaders” has gained over 150,000 signatures across 43 countries.

Indonesia’s academic reputation now faces global skepticism.

Next Steps

The case is scheduled for public court hearing on May 22, 2025, where Jokowi may be subpoenaed under oath and required to present his original diplomas before the judicial panel and the public.

Editorial Note – UngkapKriminal.com
This article is part of the investigative series “Justice in the Shadows”, a collaboration between UngkapKriminal International Desk and the global network The Independent Veracity Network.