Transparency Is Strength: Why President Jokowi Should Publicly Show His Diploma

By Jerry Massie

The controversy surrounding President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s university diploma refuses to fade—despite official declarations from the Indonesian police and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) that the document is genuine.

The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has confirmed the authenticity of President Jokowi’s UGM degree. UGM itself issued a statement in 2022 affirming that Jokowi graduated from its Faculty of Forestry in 1985. Yet, one question lingers: Why won’t the President simply show the physical diploma to the public?

In a democracy, the legitimacy of a leader is reinforced not only through electoral victory but through consistent transparency and accountability. When public trust is under pressure, even a simple gesture—such as showing a diploma—can have a significant impact. Refusing to do so only adds fuel to skepticism.

Several lawsuits have challenged the authenticity of Jokowi’s academic records. In 2022, activist Bambang Tri Mulyono filed a civil suit in the Central Jakarta District Court (Case No. 592/Pdt.G/2022/PN Jkt.Pst), alleging that Jokowi used a forged diploma. The case was dismissed due to lack of legal standing. Another lawsuit filed by M. Taufik in the Surakarta District Court met a similar fate. In both cases, the original diploma was never presented in court, nor did the President attend the proceedings.

These decisions may have closed the legal chapter, but not the public debate.

Concern has also grown over the role of law enforcement in this case. General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Indonesia’s National Police Chief, has historical ties with the President dating back to his days as Solo’s police chief and Jokowi’s presidential aide. The appearance of partiality, however unintentional, can erode the credibility of public institutions.

A leader’s strength lies not in the ability to deflect criticism, but in the courage to confront it head-on. By openly displaying the diploma in question, President Jokowi could put an end to the speculation and reaffirm his commitment to transparency.

The longer the issue is left unresolved in the court of public opinion, the more damaging it becomes—not only to the President’s image, but to the trust citizens place in the institutions that serve them.

Mr. President, showing your diploma would not be a concession to conspiracy theorists. It would be a powerful affirmation of your integrity—and a reminder that transparency, not secrecy, is what truly strengthens democracy.

*) – Director P3S