Jokowi Testifies in Jakarta Court Over Fake Diploma Claims
Indonesia's 7th President Joko Widodo testified in an East Jakarta court regarding defamation allegations over his educational certificates.
Portal Islam 
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JAKARTA — Indonesia's 7th President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended a court session to testify as a witness in a trial concerning alleged defamation and slander regarding his educational certificates at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday (Nov 5, 2026). According to reports from ANTARA and Republika, the proceedings involving defendants Roy Suryo and Doctor Tifa ran from 09:00 WIB (UTC+7) until around 16:30 WIB (UTC+7).
Based on ANTARA's reporting, Jokowi presented and handed over his original education documents to the panel of judges during the hearing. These documents covered his academic qualifications from elementary school (SD), junior high school (SMP), and senior high school (SMA), up to his bachelor's degree (S1).
Submission of Educational Document Evidence
According to ANTARA, Jokowi directly showed his diploma documents to the courtroom attendees, media personnel, and the panel of judges. Jokowi turned around to display the diplomas before finally handing them over to the judge's desk and returning to his seat in the courtroom.
As cited by ANTARA, Jokowi also outlined his completed formal education history before the court:
"So starting from elementary school, my elementary school was at State Elementary School Number 111 Surakarta City. Then junior high school at State Junior High School 1 Surakarta City, then senior high school at State Senior High School 6 Surakarta City,"
Jokowi's statement at the East Jakarta District Court
After finishing his education at State Senior High School 6 Surakarta City, Jokowi pursued higher education at the Faculty of Forestry, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta. Addressing the proposal to re-examine his educational documents, Jokowi questioned the necessity, stating that the National Police Forensic Laboratory (Labfor) had already tested them.
"Why test them again? Why test them again, where else to test them,"
Jokowi's statement at the East Jakarta District Court
As quoted by ANTARA, Jokowi expressed gratitude that the entire witness examination agenda proceeded smoothly from beginning to end. "Alhamdulillah, everything went well from 09:00 WIB (UTC+7) until now at 16:30 WIB (UTC+7). Everything went well," Jokowi said.
Defendant Roy Suryo's Rebuttal
On the other hand, according to Republika's report, defendant Roy Suryo stated his rejection of the testimony delivered by Jokowi in court. Roy considered most of the witness's statements to be inaccurate and convoluted.
When the chief judge asked for his response to the witness testimony, Roy expressed his objections regarding the understanding of the academic term Bachelor of Arts or Sarjana Muda (SM) during the trial. According to Republika, Roy stated:
"Thank you, Your Honour. The witness's testimony was quite convoluted and some... earlier there were several elementary questions that went unanswered. SM should already be understood, SM is Sarjana Muda,"
Roy Suryo's response during the trial
Brief Response Regarding Wiretapping Issues
Aside from providing testimony on the diploma case, Jokowi was also asked for confirmation regarding other legal issues. Based on CNN Indonesia's report, Jokowi remained tight-lipped when asked about parties linking him to an alleged wiretapping case by Listyo Sigit Prabowo against President Prabowo Subianto.
Jokowi's name became linked because he inaugurated Listyo as the National Police Chief on January 27, 2021. According to CNN Indonesia, Listyo allegedly committed wiretapping offenses against President Prabowo between 2025 and 2026. Listyo, who last served as Head of the Presidential Staff (KSP) before being removed, has been designated as a suspect alongside the National Police Legal Division Head Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution and senior police educator Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso.
As quoted by CNN Indonesia, Jokowi gave a brief response regarding the matter: "We all follow the existing legal process." According to initial police findings reported by CNN Indonesia, the wiretapping victims also involved ministers, political figures, businesspeople, media, and public figures. The Palace, through Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi, categorized the action as a form of treason.
Wisdom and Islamic Perspective
In navigating legal processes and interpersonal disputes, Islamic teachings consistently remind believers to hold firmly to the principles of truth, justice, and avoiding slander (fitnah). Guarding one's speech and brotherhood are integral parts of national life, as discussed in the guide on the rulings on backbiting and slander in Islam.
Muslims are encouraged to always prioritize patience and maintain peace of heart when facing any trial or legal proceeding, among others by constantly offering supplications for inner peace while awaiting outcomes and applying the attitude of tawazun (balance) in responding to various social dynamics.
