August 4, 2025 | 08:41 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former Minister of Youth and Sports Roy Suryo expressed his delight over Democratic Party's involvement in the polemic surrounding Indonesia's former president Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) fake diploma. He believes that the firm response from the party's top officials signifies that his former party has no connection to this issue.
"I am actually pleased that my former party was implicated, as it prompted a firm response," Roy said during a press conference in South Jakarta on Sunday, August 3, 2025. "For example, one of the High Council members, Syarief Hasan, and one of Partai Demokrat's cadres, Yan Harahap, also provided a strong response. Yan stated, 'Instead of accusing our party, just show your genuine degree,' " he imitated Yan's words.
The polemic regarding the authenticity of the bachelor's degree belonging to the father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to unfold. Most recently, the Democratic Party is being accused of orchestrating doubts regarding Jokowi's diploma.
This originated from the appearance of the Secretary General of the United Indonesian Advocates Association (Peradi) Bersatu, Ade Darmawan, on a national TV program discussing Jokowi's degree. Ade himself reported Roy Suryo and his associates to the police for allegedly inciting the issue of Jokowi's fake diploma.
Ade claimed that the mastermind behind the issue is related to the blue attire he was wearing. On a different occasion, the leader of Jokowi's volunteers and Chairman of Solidaritas Merah Putih, Silfester Matutina, mentioned that the blue color points to a political party with a dominant blue identity.
Tempo is still trying to seek clarification from Ade Darmawan and Silfester Matutina regarding the significance of the blue party. On the other hand, Hinca Pandjaitan refused to be associated with the political stance of Roy Suryo in doubting the authenticity of Jokowi's degree.
"There is no connection between what Roy Suryo did and the Democratic Party. It is his personal responsibility. The Democratic Party is not involved at all and has no intention to involve itself in the case of the counterfeit degree," said the member of the House of Representatives Commission on Legal Affairs.
Nevertheless, Roy asserts that he has had no association with the party bearing a red and white star logo for over five years, since he ended his career with the Democrats.
He stated that the raising of the fake diploma issue by his party is purely for academic reasons and is unrelated to party politics. "He (Jokowi) is actually widening the battle with other parties, which is a blessing in my opinion. Please go ahead," he said.
Dian Rahma Fika contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor's Choice: Roy Suryo Comments on Democratic Party's Involvement in Fake Diploma Claims: 'This is Jokowi's Style'
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Roy Suryo Comments on Democratic Party's Involvement in Fake Diploma Claims: 'This is Jokowi's Style'
1 jam lalu
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Roy Suryo stated that the allegations of involvement of the 'blue party' in this case originated from Jokowi's statement.
Four US Democratic Lawmakers Urge Trump to End War in Gaza
1 hari lalu
Four House Democrats from the Democratic Party urge President Donald Trump to immediately end the war in Gaza by making efforts to bring all parties back to the negotiating table.
Prabowo Says Too Many People Feel Smart: 'They Comment on Everything'
13 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto noted a rising trend of people who see themselves as highly intelligent and feel compelled to comment on many issues.
Jokowi Hails Prabowo's U.S. Tariff Talk Success with Trump
13 hari lalu
Former President Jokowi lauded President Prabowo for the successful negotiations with President Donald Trump on import tariffs.
Indonesia's 80th Independence Day Ceremony to Be Held in Jakarta, Not IKN
15 hari lalu
The ceremony for the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day will take place in Jakarta, not at the new capital city of Nusantara (IKN).
Prabowo to Unveil Theme and Logo for Indonesia's 80th Independence Day Soon
17 hari lalu
The Deputy State Secretary Minister said that Prabowo is scheduled to launch it at the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Multiple Global Public Officials Involved in Fake Diploma Scandals; Japanese Mayor Resigns
18 hari lalu
Allegations of fake diplomas have affected public officials in Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.
Today's Top 3 News: Iranian Ambassador Calls Israel a 'Malignant Tumor' in Middle East
22 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Japan Mayor Resigns over Fake Diploma Scandal
23 hari lalu
The mayor of Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, has resigned after allegedly lying about her university graduation.
5 Jokowi-Era Policies Revoked Under Prabowo Administration
24 hari lalu
Here are several policies from the Jokowi era that were cancelled during President Prabowo Subianto's administration. What are they?
