Defamation trial of Tifauzia Tyassuma to restart from the beginning

The defamation trial of Tifauzia Tyassuma, who is accused of spreading false information regarding Joko Widodo's diploma, is set to begin anew. Prosecutors submitted the case file again to the East Jakarta District Court on July 28, 2026, after rectifying the indictment that had previously been declared null and void by the judges.

"Yes, the case concerning the defendant Tifauzia Tyassuma has been refiled," stated Immanuel Tarigan, spokesperson for the East Jakarta District Court, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The new case is registered under number 354/Pid.B/2026/PN Jkt. Tim. This refiling means the proceedings against the doctor, known as 'Dokter Tifa,' will commence from the initial stage.

Previously, the panel of judges at the East Jakarta District Court granted Tyassuma's objection, deeming the prosecutor's indictment defective. Presiding Judge Christina Endarwati announced that the court accepted the objection filed by the defense team, stating the indictment was not prepared with the required care, clarity, and completeness. The judges also noted inconsistencies in the legal basis used by the prosecution, which combined elements of the old Criminal Code (KUHP) and the new Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the KUHP for the same offense.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Regional Directorate (Polda Metro Jaya), which initially investigated the case, respects the judges' decision. "As law-abiding citizens who respect the law, we naturally respect the decision of His Honor the Judge," said Director of General Criminal Investigation of Polda Metro Jaya, Commissioner General Iman Imanuddin, on Friday, July 24, 2026. However, Iman added that prosecutors still have the opportunity to amend the indictment, indicating the case could still proceed to the examination phase. "This is not final or the end of everything," he noted.