Jokowi Questioned by Police Again in Diploma Forgery Case

Jokowi Faces Further Questioning in Diploma Forgery Case

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, underwent further questioning by the Jakarta Metro Police on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, regarding allegations of a forged university diploma. The examination took place at the Surakarta Police Headquarters.

Jokowi arrived at the Surakarta Police Headquarters around 3:54 PM local time, accompanied by his legal counsel, Yakup Hasibuan. He was dressed in a long-sleeved batik shirt and black trousers, and greeted the media with a simple “Good afternoon.”

This latest round of questioning follows the return of case files by the Jakarta Metro Police related to defamation charges against individuals including Roy Suryo, concerning the alleged diploma forgery. According to reports, police are seeking additional clarification from witnesses and experts.

“There was a return with a note to delve deeper regarding witnesses, expert witnesses,” Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metro Police, stated on February 3rd.

The controversy surrounding Jokowi’s academic credentials has persisted for over a decade, dating back to 2014. The allegations claim he used a falsified diploma to qualify for candidacy for the presidency, a charge he has consistently denied. Gadjah Mada University (UGM), where Jokowi reportedly graduated from the Faculty of Forestry in 1985, has repeatedly affirmed the authenticity of his academic records, even providing testimony to that effect in court proceedings.

Despite UGM’s repeated verification, Jokowi has not publicly presented his original diploma certificate to the media or those questioning its validity. Instead, he has maintained that those challenging his credentials are engaging in slander and should be prosecuted, as reported by University World News.

In April 2025, Jokowi formally filed a police complaint, personally reporting four individuals accused of spreading false information about his academic background. He explained his decision to take legal action, stating, “The issue has dragged on for too long, so I’ve decided to take it to court. This needs to be addressed legally so that everything is clear and transparent.”

The case is currently being handled by the National Security Sub-Directorate of the Criminal Investigation Directorate. During initial questioning in April 2025, investigators posed 35 questions to the former president, according to police officials.

While the National Police halted their investigation into the forged diploma allegations in June 2025 after forensic tests confirmed the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma when compared to those of three fellow UGM Forestry School alumni, legal practitioner Muhammad Taufiq continues to pursue a lawsuit challenging Jokowi’s educational credentials and the legitimacy of his past administration. Former youth and sports minister Roy Suryo has criticized the police investigation as lacking transparency and intends to report the investigators to oversight bodies.

The ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny highlight the enduring nature of this controversy, even after Jokowi concluded his presidency in October 2024. The case underscores the importance of verifying academic credentials for public officials and the potential for long-lasting repercussions from unsubstantiated allegations.