Jokowi Welcomes Book on His Diploma, Encourages Academic Discussion

President Joko Widodo has reportedly welcomed a new book by Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, titled 'Otentikasi Ijazah Joko Widodo' (Authentication of Joko Widodo's Diploma). Sianipar stated that Jokowi not only received the book positively but also encouraged its distribution across various universities, suggesting Gadjah Mada University (UGM) as a venue for academic discussion.

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This must be placed in the academic world. It must be dissected, researched, and analyzed in the academic world. That was President Jokowi's instruction to UGM, meaning his main request is to UGM.

Sianipar met with Jokowi at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, to obtain the president's signature for the book. He emphasized that the work is purely the product of scientific research, free from political affiliations, biases, or personal sentiments. This assertion comes as Sianipar is involved in a restorative justice process concerning allegations of defamation related to Jokowi's diploma.

He clarified that the book is entirely separate from his legal case. Previously, Sianipar was involved in writing 'Jokowi's White Paper,' where he questioned the authenticity of Jokowi's undergraduate diploma from UGM. Now, he states his moral obligation is to demonstrate that his initial assessment was incorrect, hence the new book.

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This is purely a work subject to scientific principles, not subject to political affiliation, hatred, dislike, like, and so on.

Sianipar intends to hold a book discussion at UGM, framing it as an academic endeavor. "This must be placed in the academic world. It must be dissected, researched, and analyzed in the academic world. That was President Jokowi's instruction to UGM, meaning his main request is to UGM," Sianipar said after meeting the president. He views the book as a contribution to scientific literacy and a demonstration of his commitment to moral and intellectual integrity.

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From the beginning, my moral obligation is to prove that I was wrong. Yes, I write a book (revising the initial opinion) so that we are moral, so there is scientific literacy.