Jakarta Police Question Three Witnesses in Jokowi Defamation Case

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Metro Police questioned three witnesses on Thursday, May 8, as part of an investigation into alleged defamation against former president Joko Widodo. The three individuals are members of the Ulama and Activist Defense Team (TPUA).

TPUA spokesperson Rahmat Himran stated that four members were initially scheduled to appear: Rizal Fadillah, Damai Hari Lubis, Kurnia, and Rustam Effendi. However, the team’s deputy chairman, Rizal Fadillah, could not attend due to an accident.

"Mr. Rizal Fadillah was hit by a motorcycle after giving a statement at the National Police Headquarters two days ago while returning to Bandung," Rahmat said at Metro Jaya Police headquarters on Thursday.

According to Rahmat, the questioning began at 9:00 a.m. and was still ongoing. He said the three witnesses brought evidence related to the allegation that Jokowi used a fake diploma.

"All other witnesses also brought their own evidence," he added.

Previously, Jokowi filed a police report against five individuals: Roy Suryo, Rismon Sianipar, Tifauzia Tyassuma, Rizal Fadillah, and one person identified by the initial K.

Jokowi’s legal counsel, Yakup Hasibuan, said the report was filed over alleged defamation and slander using electronic media. The five are accused of defaming the former Jakarta governor and Solo mayor by claiming his diploma was forged.

Investigators at Metro Jaya Police are still probing the fake diploma allegations. The police spokesperson, Commissioner Ade Ary Syam Indradi, confirmed that the case remains under investigation. "It is still in the investigative phase," he said at the police headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday, May 2.

Ade Ary noted that the case is being handled by the Sub-Directorate for State Security under the General Crime Directorate. During Jokowi’s first questioning session at the Directorate building on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, investigators submitted 35 questions.

After the session, Jokowi said his presence at the station showed he was taking the fake diploma accusations seriously. "This is actually a trivial matter. But it needs to be taken to court so everything is clear and transparent," he said on Wednesday afternoon.

Jokowi explained that he had delayed legal action because he was still serving as president. The fake diploma rumor had circulated during his presidency but resurfaced after Roy Suryo and others shared their analysis of a diploma photo on social media.

"I thought it was over. But since it keeps dragging on, it is better to address it legally," he said.

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