The East Jakarta District Court on 19 October 2026 rejected an objection filed by former Indonesian minister Roy Suryo against his indictment, clearing the way for his trial to move to witness evidence, CNN Indonesia, detikNews and kumparan reported.

Roy Suryo is accused of defamation and of offences under Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law over statements, made in YouTube podcasts, questioning the authenticity of the undergraduate diploma of former president Joko Widodo. He has not been convicted, and the court has not ruled on the diploma itself.

The ruling

A panel led by presiding judge Christina Endarwati issued an interlocutory ruling declaring the defence objection inadmissible and ordering prosecutors to continue, according to CNN Indonesia. The indictment, read on 17 September 2026, cites the 2023 Criminal Code's defamation provisions and ITE Law articles on manipulating electronic information. Reports differ slightly on which defamation article is the primary charge.

Kumparan reported that prosecutors also allege Roy Suryo used image-analysis techniques on a photograph of the diploma, and altered a photo posted by someone else, to make the document appear inauthentic. The case stems from a police complaint filed on behalf of Joko Widodo.

Defence requests

Defence lawyers asked the court to order production of the physical diploma, which was seized by police and passed to prosecutors, and asked for Joko Widodo to testify first. Prosecutors said they would call witnesses in the order they determine. The next hearing, for witness testimony, is scheduled for 28 October, according to CNN Indonesia.

Why the case matters beyond politics

Disputes over whether a public figure's degree is genuine have arisen in several countries. The case is a reminder that a degree's authenticity is a question of record: it is settled by the issuing university's registry and official records, not by image analysis of photographs circulating online. Anyone questioning, or relying on, a qualification should seek confirmation from the awarding institution or its official verification channel.

Sources

This News Desk report summarises information published by the sources above, written in our own words. Persons named in criminal matters are accused, not convicted, unless a court has ruled otherwise. To report an error, use our contact page.

IndonesiaDegree authenticityDefamationCourtJoko Widodo

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