The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, is set to file a defamation report against Rismon Sianipar with the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri). This action comes in response to accusations that Kalla funded the controversy surrounding the alleged fake diploma of the 7th Indonesian President, Jokowi.
The report is scheduled to be submitted by Kalla’s legal counsel to the Bareskrim Headquarters on Monday, April 6. Kalla stated from his residence in South Jakarta on Sunday, April 5, “News has circulated in the media, based on a statement attributed to Mr. Rismon Sianipar, claiming that I financed Roy Suryo and his associates with Rp 5 billion to challenge Jokowi’s diploma.”
Emphasizing his determination, Kalla affirmed, “Tomorrow, my lawyer will represent me in filing a report against Mr. Rismon with Bareskrim, to uncover the truth and establish that what was said is unequivocally false.”
Denying the Accusations
Kalla firmly asserted that the accusations are untrue and explicitly stated that he does not know Rismon Sianipar. “I can confidently say that it is absolutely, certainly not true. I have never known Rismon at all; we have never met. Roy, because he was a former minister under me, yes, I know him, but not the others,” Kalla clarified.
He challenged Rismon to provide proof for his allegations. “If that is indeed the case, then where and when did this happen? Because this information has already spread widely. Therefore, I want to reiterate that my lawyer, Mr. Haris, will represent me tomorrow in reporting Mr. Rismon to Bareskrim, seeking the truth and establishing that the claims made are indeed false.”
Clarifying Meetings
Kalla also refuted claims of a specific meeting at his residence involving Roy Suryo and Rismon concerning the diploma issue. He explained that any gatherings at his home, including one on March 15, 2026, were initiated by the guests themselves, not by his invitation.
“Furthermore, I also wish to convey that the meetings held here last Ramadan were not at all by my invitation; these friends came on their own volition to express their aspirations and suggestions,” Kalla explained. He added that attendees were primarily academics, university professionals, and experts, emphasizing, “There were no political party members or anything of the sort. All were professionals and academics, professors.”
As of now, Rismon has not provided any statement regarding this matter. kumparan attempted to contact Rismon but has not received a response.
Rismon Meets Jokowi-Gibran, Offers Apology
Previously, Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar had directly met President Jokowi and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming. This meeting was intended for clarification and a direct apology concerning the diploma polemic that had been circulating in the public sphere.
Rismon explained that after conducting a more in-depth and thorough study, he concluded that Jokowi’s diploma is authentic. “Journalists often need simple sentences. Yes, it is authentic. Based on my study, that’s why I said ‘truth hurts’ – the truth can be painful. But what I feel would be even more painful is if I didn’t reveal it,” he elaborated.
The digital forensics expert also underscored the responsibility of a researcher to correct their own writings rather than concealing the truth for specific interests. Rismon had previously filed for restorative justice with the Polda Metro Jaya, though his request has not yet been granted.
Summary
Jusuf Kalla (JK) plans to report R