Jakarta. The General Elections Commission (KPU) is under fire for barring public access to the diplomas of presidential and vice-presidential candidates without their consent, a rule that has reignited controversy over the academic credentials of some of the country’s top leaders.

Deputy Chairman of the House Commission II, Dede Yusuf Macan Effendi, questioned why diplomas were shielded under KPU Regulation No. 731/2025, which lists 16 candidate documents that cannot be disclosed publicly. He argued that diplomas are essential public records for anyone seeking office.

“Data of public officials must be transparent. When people apply for a job, they present a CV, let alone when applying to become president,” Dede said on Monday. He added that parliament may summon KPU officials to explain the new rule.

The debate comes as Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of former president Joko Widodo, faces a civil lawsuit challenging the validity of his high school diploma he submitted during the 2024 election. 

While the court weighs Gibran’s case, diploma disputes also surround his father. In August, the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) reiterated the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo’s degree following renewed speculation about his academic history. UGM Rector Ova Emilia confirmed Jokowi completed his studies and graduated in November 1985.

Against this backdrop, the KPU rejected speculation that its latest policy was motivated by past controversies involving Jokowi or Gibran. KPU Chairman Mochammad Afifuddin stressed that the restrictions were applied generally and covered multiple sensitive documents.

“Our decision is not because of any one case,” Afifuddin told reporters at Parliament. “Certain documents, like medical records and school diplomas, are classified unless released by the owner or by court order.”

“There is no protection for any specific individual. This regulation is universal and ensures clarity on what information is public and what remains classified,” he added.