Ijazah Jokowi

The topic of President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) academic credentials, specifically his “Ijazah” (diploma), became a subject of intense scrutiny and public debate in Indonesia leading up to and following the 2024 Presidential Election. Allegations questioning the authenticity of his bachelor’s degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) surfaced, prompting legal challenges and widespread discussion across social media and traditional news outlets.

The controversy primarily revolved around claims that the diploma presented by Jokowi was either fraudulent, falsified, or obtained through illegitimate means. These claims were often disseminated by individuals and groups politically opposed to Jokowi, fueling a narrative questioning his competence and legitimacy as president. The accusers demanded that UGM provide concrete evidence to verify Jokowi’s academic record, including attendance records, thesis details, and examination results.

UGM, in response to the escalating controversy, publicly defended the authenticity of Jokowi’s degree. University officials presented copies of Jokowi’s academic records, student ID, and other relevant documents, affirming that he had indeed graduated from the Faculty of Forestry in 1985. They maintained that the institution had rigorously verified his credentials and found no evidence of wrongdoing. The university also held press conferences and published official statements to address the allegations and reassure the public.

Despite UGM’s repeated affirmations, the doubts persisted. Skeptics pointed to perceived inconsistencies in the provided documentation, questioning the font used on the diploma and discrepancies in reported graduation dates. These criticisms were often amplified through social media platforms, contributing to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories. Legal challenges were filed with the Indonesian court system, seeking an independent investigation into the matter.

Several lawsuits were initiated, aiming to force the government and UGM to disclose further information and conduct an independent audit of Jokowi’s academic records. These legal battles resulted in various court rulings, some dismissing the claims due to lack of evidence and others ordering further investigation. The complex legal proceedings further fueled public debate and kept the issue in the spotlight.

The controversy surrounding Jokowi’s “Ijazah” highlights the growing problem of disinformation and the weaponization of social media in political discourse. It also underscores the importance of verifying information from credible sources and the potential for political opponents to exploit doubts and uncertainties for their own gain. While UGM consistently defended the authenticity of the diploma and several lawsuits were dismissed, the controversy left a lasting impact on public perception and trust in institutions.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of truth in the digital age and the challenges of combating misinformation in the context of political polarization. The lasting effect of this controversy remains a topic of discussion in Indonesian society, influencing debates about leadership, accountability, and the role of education in public life.