Rismon Sianipar Apologizes, Confirms Authenticity of Jokowi and Gibran’s Diplomas

Jakarta – Rismon Sianipar, a digital forensic expert who previously alleged that the diplomas of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka were falsified, has issued a public apology and affirmed the authenticity of the documents. This reversal follows a three-month in-depth investigation and direct meetings with both Jokowi and Gibran.

Meetings with Jokowi and Gibran

Rismon Sianipar first visited President Jokowi’s residence in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to clarify his research findings detailed in his books, “Jokowi’s White Paper” and “Gibran End Game,” and to offer a direct apology. Jokowi accepted the apology but deferred the decision regarding restorative justice to his legal team. Aktual.com reports that Jokowi believes the final decision rests with the police investigator.

The following day, Friday, March 13, 2026, Rismon met with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, and was described as warm and friendly, culminating in a hug from Gibran. Detik.com reported Gibran stating, “Basically, we are brothers, there’s nothing left.”

Reversal of Previous Findings

Rismon Sianipar’s change of heart stems from a more thorough analysis conducted over the past three months. He discovered “watermarks” and embossed features in the diploma documents, consistent with images previously uploaded by Dian Sandi Utama. Aktual.com details that Rismon identified previously unseen stamp traces by incorporating geometric and lighting variables into his latest research.

“Iya, asli (it’s authentic). Because with my research, that’s why I say, ‘truth hurts.’ The truth is painful. But even more painful is what I feel if I don’t reveal it and am more honest,” Rismon stated to the media at the Vice Presidential Palace. Media Indonesia also reported that Rismon is preparing to publish a counter-thesis book to address his previous claims.

Restorative Justice and Apology

Rismon Sianipar had initially faced charges under Articles 32 and 35 of Indonesia’s Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) Law, related to the manipulation of electronic documents. His pursuit of restorative justice involved conveying his apology directly to Jokowi and Gibran. Merdeka.com notes that Rismon acknowledged his initial research was incomplete, leading to public misinterpretations.

Looking Ahead

Rismon Sianipar’s retraction and apology mark a significant development in the controversy surrounding the authenticity of Jokowi and Gibran’s diplomas. Even as the legal implications of his previous allegations remain to be fully resolved, his public acknowledgment of the diplomas’ authenticity appears to be a step towards closure. He has requested that any disagreements with his findings be addressed respectfully and ethically.