Jakarta. Former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo publicly displayed his original university diploma in court on Thursday, confronting allegations that he forged his academic credentials, as the document marked exactly 41 years since its issuance.

The diploma, dated Nov. 5, 1985, was shown to the panel of judges, courtroom spectators and members of the public watching the proceedings on live television.

Jokowi appeared as a witness in a defamation trial involving former Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo and social media activist Tifauzia Tyassuma, widely known as Dr. Tifa, who have repeatedly questioned the authenticity of his bachelor's degree from Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

National TV networks aired the hearing live.

The former president's decision to personally present the document marked a dramatic moment in a controversy that has followed him since before his first presidential election victory in 2014.

Before holding up the diploma, Jokowi sought permission from the presiding judge, who initially suggested that the document be shown after the hearing.

Jokowi, however, calmly reiterated his wish to let courtroom spectators see it.

"If permitted, I would also like to show it to the visitors, Your Honor," Jokowi told the judge.

He then raised the diploma for those present to see, while television cameras broadcast the moment to viewers outside the courtroom.

The document showed visible signs of aging, with its lower edge slightly damaged and torn after more than four decades. However, the writing, official stamps and signatures appeared intact and legible.

The public display was one of the most significant moments in Jokowi's effort to rebut allegations that he never graduated from UGM's Faculty of Forestry and had used a forged diploma in his political career.

Diploma First Used to Apply for a Job
During his testimony, Jokowi also explained when he first used the diploma after completing his university studies.

"The diploma was first used in 1985 or 1986 at PT Kertas Kraft Aceh, Your Honor," he told the court.

Jokowi said he submitted the document when applying for a job at the company, where he was subsequently employed.

He later entered the furniture business before embarking on a political career that took him from mayor of Solo in Central Java to governor of Jakarta and eventually president of Indonesia for two consecutive terms.

His academic credentials became the subject of persistent public allegations, particularly during his rise to national political prominence.

Jokowi has repeatedly denied the accusations, describing them as slander and injustice, and has maintained that he graduated from UGM.

The university has also consistently defended the authenticity of his academic records and confirmed his status as a graduate of its Faculty of Forestry.

A Decade-Long Controversy
Roy, who served as youth and sports minister under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, is among the most prominent figures to have publicly challenged Jokowi's academic credentials.

He and Tifauzia have alleged that Jokowi forged the bachelor's degree he presented as part of his documentation when running for president in 2014. They have also questioned whether he ever graduated from the university.

Jokowi and UGM have repeatedly rejected those allegations.

The controversy has involved several public figures over the years, with some individuals who previously questioned the diploma later withdrawing their claims and issuing apologies.

Others have maintained their accusations, leading to legal disputes and the current defamation proceedings.

Jokowi had previously expressed his determination to take the unusual step of appearing in court to confront what he described as years of slander and unjust treatment.

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