Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, a suspect in the case accusing President Joko Widodo of a fake diploma, has agreed to reconcile with the reporters through restorative justice. The deal has thawed relations, with reporters now calling him a friend. Rismon's legal status as a suspect awaits the investigators' decision.
Jakarta – The controversy over accusations of a fake diploma against President Joko Widodo has entered a new phase with a peace agreement between Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar and the reporters.
Ade Darmawan, Chair of Jokowi's Legal Team and Secretary General of Peradi Bersatu, stated that Rismon is now their friend. "He is my friend now at this very warm meeting," said Ade Darmawan on April 2, 2026. He emphasized that the agreement ends the matter between them, though Rismon's suspect status depends on investigators.
Maret Sueken, one of the reporters, said the peace reflects good intentions from both sides and Jokowi's statesmanship. "We all the reporters with good intentions and Rismon's good faith carried out RJ," she said, mentioning other reporters like Lechumanan and Ade Darmawan.
Rismon affirmed the restorative justice process was without coercion or intervention, handled through his lawyer Jahmada Girsang at Polda Metro Jaya. He stands by his independent research findings.
