Jusuf Kalla Reports Rismon Sianipar Over Jokowi Diploma Controversy
- Jusuf Kalla, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, has filed a police report against digital forensic researcher Rismon Sianipar for alleged defamation, and slander.
- The legal action stems from claims made by Sianipar alleging that Jusuf Kalla funded efforts to challenge the authenticity of the diploma of Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo.
- Jusuf Kalla has strongly denied these accusations, describing them as untrue and unfounded.
Jusuf Kalla, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, has filed a police report against digital forensic researcher Rismon Sianipar for alleged defamation, and slander. The report was submitted to the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) on April 8, 2026, under receipt number STTL/135/V/2026/BARESKRIM.
The legal action stems from claims made by Sianipar alleging that Jusuf Kalla funded efforts to challenge the authenticity of the diploma of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo. According to Jusuf Kalla’s legal representative, Abdul Haji Talauho, Sianipar described the former Vice President as an elite official who provided Rp5 billion to former Minister of Youth and Sports Roy Suryo and others to pursue claims that President Jokowi’s diploma was fake.
Denial of Funding Allegations
Jusuf Kalla has strongly denied these accusations, describing them as untrue and unfounded. Speaking after submitting the report at the National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, he stated that he did not fund any parties to raise issues regarding President Jokowi’s diploma.
The former Vice President emphasized that the accusations were not only factually incorrect but also damaged his dignity as a former state official who worked alongside President Jokowi. He characterized the narrative that he financed an investigation into the head of state as an unethical accusation.
Jusuf Kalla
We see an insult and harms my dignity. It is as if I financed people to check or even betray Mr. Jokowi. Again, I didn’t do that,
Jusuf Kalla further clarified that the police report was filed specifically to maintain his self-respect. He noted that he has had no prior relationship or communication with Rismon Sianipar and had not received an apology for the statements in question.
AI Engineering Claims and Evidence
The controversy involves claims from the reported party that the content in question was the result of artificial intelligence (AI) engineering. Jusuf Kalla stated that while he did not question the origin of the content, the substance of the accusation required a clear refutation.
During the filing of the report, Jusuf Kalla’s legal team provided three videos as evidence to Bareskrim. In response to the report, Jahmada Girsang, the legal representative for Rismon Sianipar, stated that his side had not yet taken a formal position and was continuing to monitor the legal process.
Impact of the Diploma Controversy
Beyond the defamation suit, Jusuf Kalla expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the dispute regarding President Jokowi’s diploma. He described the situation as having lasted for a significant amount of time and causing widespread negative impacts within society.
He stated his belief that President Jokowi possesses an original diploma and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved quickly to prevent further division in the public sphere.