Indonesian Prosecutors Shield President Jokowi in Diploma Fraud Case

Prosecutors handling the falsified diploma case against President Joko Widodo presented four alternative charges, allowing them to focus on a general‑offense provision rather than the complaint‑type offenses that would require Jokowi’s presence in court. The indictment also lists police commander Syarif Ajudan as the primary witness, further reducing the need for the president to appear.

Lawyers for the accused warned that the prosecutor’s strategy is intimidating media outlets. Ahmad Khozinudin said the move has made journalists and TV program participants fearful of attending discussions, citing examples such as Inews TV’s “Rakyat Bersuara” and other news shows. He argued that the prosecutors’ “extensification” of the charges threatens press freedom and discourages open commentary on the case.