Jokowi's Fake Degree Case: Court Accepts Defense's Objection, Orders Prosecution to Revise Charges

The East Jakarta District Court has granted a defense objection in the case involving allegations of a fake degree against President Joko Widodo. The court ruled that the prosecutor's indictment was flawed and ordered revisions, temporarily halting the trial. Presiding Judge Christina Endarwati stated that the indictment was "obscure" and legally defective, thus null and void. The court clarified that this decision addresses formal issues with the charges, not the substance of the case itself. Rivai Kusumaneraga, a lawyer for President Widodo, respected the court's decision, noting that prosecutors would likely amend the indictment based on the court's feedback before resubmitting it. He emphasized that this ruling is part of the legal system's checks and balances and does not signify the case's termination. "With a decision like this, the prosecutor will usually correct the construction of the article, adjusted to the mandate in the decision, and then the prosecutor can re-file the indictment to the trial," Rivai said at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday (23/7). "So, again, this is more about correcting the form of the indictment which is considered obscuur libel (vague) and is not related to the termination of this case. The case can still proceed and the prosecutor just needs to improve the indictment," he added. Kusumaneraga also confirmed that President Widodo is prepared to attend court and testify, though his appearance will be postponed due to the need to revise the charges. "We are also here to follow the schedule that will be set by the panel for the examination of Mr. Jokowi. Actually, Mr. Jokowi is ready to attend even next week, he is ready to come here, he has prepared his time," he said. "But it turns out that this interim decision states that the indictment needs to be revised first, yes, and for that we respect it, and perhaps for Mr. Jokowi's attendance, we will wait for the next trial," he added. The case stems from claims made by Tifauziah Tyassuma, also known as Dr. Tifa, alleging that President Widodo's academic degree is fraudulent. The court's decision highlights a focus on procedural correctness in legal proceedings. Source: CNN Indonesia