Jokowi’s Alleged Fake Degree Trial Draws Witnesses and Legal Maneuvers

Indonesia’s courts are hearing a high‑profile defamation case centered on accusations that President Joko Widodo holds a falsified degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Roy Suryo’s lawyer Abdul Gafur Sangadji called the recent police report against his client baseless and suggested it was meant to disrupt ongoing pre‑trial motions.

Fifteen of Jokowi’s former university classmates are being prepared to testify, with lawyers confirming they will appear in person rather than by video link. Dr Tifauzia Tyassuma’s (Dr Tifa) legal team demanded the president attend the Jakarta East District Court in person, rejecting any Zoom testimony and warning that forced attendance could be ordered.

The prosecution has asked judges to reject Dr Tifa’s exception filing and to proceed to the evidentiary stage, while Dr Tifa expressed optimism that the court will accept his defence. Separately, Roy Suryo filed a third pre‑trial request seeking damages from the Metro Jakarta Police and the Jakarta District Attorney’s Office.

The Bonjowi faction, representing interests opposing the university’s claim, presented former Constitutional Court judge Maruarar Siahaan as an expert witness in a parallel administrative court hearing.