UGM: Missing Date on Joko Widodo's Thesis Approval Is Administrative Oversight

The University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) affirmed that President Joko Widodo’s diploma is genuine and explained that the absence of a date on the approval page of his 1980s‑era thesis is a routine administrative omission. In a YouTube briefing on 22 August 2025, UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia, Vice‑Rector Prof. Wening Udasmoro and Dean of Forestry Ir. Sigit Sunarta said the missing date likely resulted from manual type‑writer processes and printing practices of the time.

They stressed that graduation is determined by the exam record, not the approval sheet, and that the lack of a date does not invalidate the degree. Sunarta remarked, “Kemudian ada lembar pengesahan yang luput… ya, itu hal yang saya pikir wajar ya,” indicating the lapse is normal for that era.