Questions raised over differing UGM diplomas linked to Indonesia’s former president

Questions have resurfaced in Indonesia over the authenticity of a university diploma linked to former president Joko Widodo, following claims that two significantly different diplomas were issued by the same faculty in the same graduation year.

The issue was raised by Erizal, director of ABC Research and Consulting, who has called on the rector of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to provide further clarification amid renewed public debate.

UGM has repeatedly stated that Mr Widodo is a legitimate alumnus of its Faculty of Forestry, having enrolled in 1980 and graduated in 1985. The university has also said that responsibility for the physical diploma lies with the graduate, not the institution.

UGM’s position

In previous public statements, UGM rector Ova Emilia has affirmed that Mr Widodo’s academic records at the university are valid. She has argued that once a student graduates, the university does not retain responsibility for the physical diploma document.

Several senior figures, including former constitutional court judge Mahfud MD, have publicly supported this position, saying that UGM’s confirmation of Mr Widodo’s alumni status should be sufficient.

More recently, constitutional law expert Zainal Arifin Mochtar echoed a similar view in a public discussion, saying that while Mr Widodo’s academic process at UGM was acknowledged, he could not personally verify the physical diploma itself.

Claims of contradiction

Critics argue that this distinction has created what they describe as a contradiction: the academic process is recognised, but the physical certificate is not explicitly verified.

The debate intensified after reports emerged of two Forestry Faculty diplomas dated 1985, bearing notably different physical characteristics.

One diploma, in the name of Joko Widodo, has circulated in the form of a legalised photocopy previously submitted to the General Elections Commission (KPU) and shown to investigators.

Another diploma, issued in the same year to Bambang Budy Harto, was presented by a family member during a court hearing in Solo. Observers noted visible differences in paper colour and stamp markings between the two documents.

Calls for clarification

Former judge Binsar Gultom has argued that there is no legal need to test Mr Widodo’s diploma further, saying that the issuing authority (UGM) has already confirmed its legitimacy. He suggested that any legal challenge should be directed at the university, not the former president.

However, critics including former information minister Roy Suryo have maintained doubts, claiming their research suggests the diploma is highly unlikely to be authentic, a claim rejected by Mr Widodo’s supporters.

Erizal has urged Rector Ova Emilia to issue another public explanation, possibly through a recorded statement, addressing why diplomas from the same faculty and year could differ so markedly.

UGM has not yet issued a new response addressing these specific claims.