M. Syaifullah, Yogyakarta – A group identifying themselves as the Defenders of Ulama and Activists (TPUA) visited the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Their visit was intended to address the rumors surrounding the alleged fake diploma of former Indonesian president Jokowi.
Telematics expert Roy Suryo was among the group members who subsequently met with UGM officials.
During the meeting, one of the things shown by UGM was Jokowi's diploma. Roy claimed to have found inconsistencies in the diploma.
"The meeting was quite short and there was a slight disruption. We almost insisted because it was slightly heightened. It was raised because there was a bit of a debate, but that's normal," said Roy, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
He stated that they also inquired about Jokowi's diploma. Initially, it was not allowed, but eventually the diploma was shown. When examining the diploma, he claimed to have found irregularities.
"It was shown and what was conveyed was indeed true (the diploma exists). What's certain is that Jokowi's diploma indeed has typing differences. The body was typed normally, and in the front, it was printed which was not the print at that time. And on the approval sheet, there was no approval sheet from the examiner," said Roy.
Roy expressed that the group was still taken aback by the situation. Despite Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reportedly being ranked second in terms of information transparency, the diploma in question was not immediately available when they arrived. It had to be retrieved on short notice.
"We regret this situation. We weren't able to see the original diploma because it's not stored on campus. God willing, our colleagues who are heading to Solo will be able to view it there. I won't be joining them because I have to go to Jakarta, but hopefully, the original will be shown tomorrow," Roy said.
Roy also found it surprising that UGM suggested taking the matter to court, given how long the issue has persisted. As an alumnus of UGM, he believes it would be better to focus on fostering good relations.
"Especially since we came to celebrate Eid and break the fast together. What's important is that UGM shouldn't be influenced by figures like Dr. Tifa to act as a shield, which could ultimately weaken the institution itself," he said.
"UGM must have the courage to stand on its own. If something is true, say it's true. Don't half-heartedly defend the past. If a signature is missing, just say it's missing," Roy continued.
Roy and Rismon photographed the diploma that was presented. According to Roy, it appeared to have several inconsistencies, including the absence of a date, a missing approval sheet, and no reference to Kasmujo, who was said to be Jokowi's thesis supervisor.
Roy also rejected the idea that the many photos shown by Jokowi's acquaintances, such as group pictures and diploma images that could serve as proof. "We're not looking for pictures, we're looking for the original diploma. You can show a thousand photos a thousand times. It means nothing without the actual document," Roy said.
Roy emphasized that questions still remain regarding Jokowi's diploma. "There's no signature, no name that should be present, and several other issues," added the former Minister of Youth and Sports.
In addition to Roy, the group included digital forensic analyst Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar and activist Tifauzia Tyassuma. The three met with UGM officials, including the vice rector and the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry.