Gadjah Mada University Confirms Jokowi’s Graduation, Cites Diploma Held by President
Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has affirmed that President Joko Widodo, often referred to as Jokowi, successfully completed his studies at the Faculty of Forestry, but maintains it is not responsible for verifying the authenticity of a diploma photograph circulating on social media. The university’s statements, released on Friday, August 22nd, come amid growing scrutiny regarding the validity of Jokowi’s academic credentials.
The controversy surrounding the president’s diploma began with questions raised about its authenticity, prompting widespread analysis and accusations that the document is not genuine. UGM officials responded swiftly, emphasizing their records confirm Jokowi’s successful completion of his degree program in November 1985.
“The diploma was handed over in 1985 to the person concerned,” stated a senior university official in a video released on the UGM YouTube channel. “This means that the one who guarded the diploma was the person concerned. Therefore, Gadjah Mada University does not want to comment on diplomas that already exist in the person concerned.”
The university further clarified that the original diploma was personally handed to Jokowi upon his graduation and that UGM holds only copies of the document. The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Sigit Sunarta, explained that the diploma was only printed once, reinforcing the idea that the original is in the president’s possession.
“All documents related to that now are in the police,” Sunarta added, noting that a copy of the diploma and related files have been submitted to authorities for investigation. This action, he emphasized, is consistent with legal provisions regarding personal data and is not specific to the case of President Jokowi.
A UGM Vice Chancellor, Wening Udasmoro, underscored the university’s legal limitations in disclosing personal information, including diplomas, to third parties seeking verification. Udasmoro stated that the proper procedure for confirming someone’s alumni status is for the individual to present their diploma directly.
“So the person shows the diploma,” Udasmoro said. “UGM in this case will not be able to provide clarification because it must be that person who must have a diploma which shows evidence.”
The university’s stance highlights the complexities of verifying academic credentials when the original documentation is held by the individual in question, particularly in cases involving high-profile public figures. The ongoing investigation by the police is expected to shed further light on the matter and address the concerns raised regarding the circulating diploma photograph.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
