Jokowi sued again: UGM alumnus demands diploma presentation

Tempo reports on a new lawsuit filed against former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, this time concerning his university diploma from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The legal challenge, brought forth by an alumnus of UGM's Faculty of Law, Sigit Pratomo, adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Widodo's academic credentials.

The lawsuit, registered at the Surakarta District Court, names not only Widodo but also UGM and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police as co-defendants. The plaintiff, identified as an advocate from Klaten Regency, Central Java, alleges unlawful acts by Widodo. The initial hearing took place on May 5, 2026, with all parties represented by their legal counsels, except for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, who were absent without explanation.

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During his time as a state and public official, we know that Mr. Jokowi has never attended court hearings. Bambang Tri (Bambang Tri Mulyono) sued him before, and even recently from TIPU UGM, he never came. We are trying to contribute so that he attends the trial and presents his diploma.

According to the plaintiff's legal representative, Dekka Ajeng Maharasri, the suit is motivated by Widodo's alleged failure to attend previous court hearings related to similar diploma allegations and his refusal to present the document. "We are trying to contribute so that he attends the trial and shows his diploma," Maharasri stated, emphasizing that the lawsuit provides an opportunity for Widodo to present his original diploma. The plaintiff acknowledges Widodo as a UGM alumnus but expresses uncertainty about the authenticity of the diploma currently held by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.

This legal action reflects a persistent public interest and skepticism surrounding Widodo's academic background, particularly given his prominent political career. While international media might view this as a peculiar or even trivial pursuit, from an Indonesian perspective, questions about the integrity of public officials' credentials can carry significant weight. The lawsuit, as covered by Tempo, highlights a desire for transparency and accountability, suggesting that even a former president is subject to scrutiny regarding fundamental qualifications. The case underscores a unique aspect of Indonesian political discourse where such matters can become focal points of public attention and legal challenges.

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This lawsuit acknowledges that Mr. Jokowi is an alumnus and graduate (of UGM). Normatively, Mr. Jokowi's diploma is indeed original. However, the problem currently is the diploma possessed by Mr. Jokowi, which was then confiscated by the Polda Metro Jaya, we do not yet understand whether it is original or not.