Roy Suryo challenges arrest, detention in fake diploma case pretrial hearing

Roy Suryo, a suspect in a defamation case involving allegations of a fake diploma belonging to former President Joko Widodo, is seeking to have his arrest and detention declared unlawful. The pretrial hearing took place at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Suryo's legal team, represented by Refly Harun, argued that the police search and arrest were conducted without the necessary authorization from the local district court chief. "Declaring that the arrest made by the respondent based on arrest warrant number SP.Kap/703/VI/RES.1.14/2026/Ditreskrimum Polda Metro Jaya dated June 19, 2026, is unlawful," Harun stated in court.

The defense also requested the judge to nullify the arrest warrant, citing violations of several articles in the Indonesian Constitution and legal principles. Furthermore, they argued that Suryo's detention was also unlawful, again referencing constitutional articles and the principle of legal certainty. The legal team further asked the court to declare the investigation file invalid and illegal, and to lift Suryo's travel ban, arguing it should expire with the end of the investigation.

Presiding Judge I Ketut Darpawan acknowledged the defense's arguments but indicated that certain aspects, particularly those related to the substance of the case like the travel ban and indictment, were beyond the scope of the pretrial hearing. He stated that these specific requests could not be accommodated as they touched upon the main case. The hearing was adjourned to the following morning for the respondent and co-respondent to present their response.

Roy Suryo's pretrial motion is registered under number 99/Pid.Pra/2026/PN.JKT.SEL. and was registered on June 22, 2026. The respondent is the Indonesian Government, represented by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief and the Directorate of General Crimes.