Indonesia's Widodo displays university diploma in court amid forgery allegations
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo presented his university diploma in a Jakarta courtroom on Thursday while testifying against two critics accused of defaming him over allegations that his academic credentials were forged.
Widodo appeared at the East Jakarta District Court in separate trials involving former minister Roy Suryo and activist Tifauzia Tyassuma, popularly known as Doctor Tifa.
During the hearing, the former president displayed his diploma and submitted supporting documents to the judge, seeking to counter longstanding allegations about his degree from Gadjah Mada University.
His lawyer, Yakup Hasibuan, welcomed the proceedings, expressing hope that the evidence would address public concerns over Widodo's academic qualifications.
However, Suryo disputed the document's authenticity, claiming that the diploma presented in court differed from one previously shown at Jakarta police headquarters in December 2025.
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Widodo has repeatedly denied the forgery allegations, while Gadjah Mada University has confirmed that he graduated from its forestry faculty and that his diploma was officially issued.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse as security personnel restricted access to the proceedings.
Authorities deployed approximately 6,770 police and military personnel, alongside tactical vehicles and water cannon trucks, to maintain security around the court.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
