UGM emphasizes the authenticity of Jokowi’s diploma, denies Sofian Effendi’s statement

KABARJAWA – Gadjah Mada University (UGM) finally opened his voice after a surprising statement for the former UGM Chancellor, Sofian Effendi, shook the public.

Sofian Effendi doubted the authenticity of President Joko Widodo’s diploma on a live streaming show on the YouTube channel, Wednesday (7/16). Sofian’s statement immediately caused noise in the midst of the community who demanded official clarification.

Secretary of Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, SH, LL.M., moves quickly. He asserted that his party had authentic academic data and evidence that proved Joko Widodo was indeed a graduate of the Faculty of Forestry UGM.

UGM said that Sofian Effendi’s statement was not in accordance with the official documents of the university. They claimed to regret those who led Sofian Effendi to convey the wrong opinion.

Then, the UGM confirmed that the statement was baseless and had the potential to have legal consequences for Sofian Effendi personally.

“UGM ensures that Joko Widodo is officially recorded as an alumnus of the Faculty of Forestry,” he said, Thursday (7/17/2025)

Joko Widodo began his studies in 1980 with student number 80/34416/KT/1681 and graduated on November 5, 1985. UGM still held fast to the official statement they had released in a press release on April 15, 2025 on the UGM website.

UGM reiterated that his party did not have any conflict of interest with the Ulama and Activist Defenders Team (TPUA) or with Joko Widodo.

As a public higher education institution, UGM works based on laws and regulations on the protection of personal data and public information disclosure.

UGM refused to open personal data belonging to students and alumni to unauthorized parties. They are only willing to show data in nature. They will provide personal data if law enforcement officials ask for officially according to procedures.

UGM’s firm statement closed the polemic that had developed wildly. The public awaits Sofian Effendi’s follow up after UGM ensures the authenticity of President Joko Widodo’s diploma and emphasizes the integrity of the academic system of the populist campus. (EF Linangkung)