Fajarasia.id — November 14, 2025 Contrasting explanations have surfaced regarding the decision not to detain telematics expert Roy Suryo, digital forensic specialist Rismon Sianipar, and social media activist Tifauzia Tyassuma, better known as Dr. Tifa, despite their designation as suspects in a case alleging defamation of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) over claims of a forged diploma.
The three suspects were officially named on Friday, November 7, 2025, and underwent more than nine hours of intensive questioning at Polda Metro Jaya on Thursday, November 13. Following the examination, they were allowed to return home.
Director of General Crimes at Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Iman Imanudin, explained that the suspects were not detained because they submitted mitigating witnesses and experts. “The three suspects were permitted to go home as they proposed experts and witnesses in their favor,” Iman stated, emphasizing that investigators must balance the process by reviewing those testimonies.
However, the suspects’ legal counsel, Abdul Gafur Sangaji, offered a different perspective. He argued that the decision was based on investigators’ subjective judgment under Article 21, Paragraph 1 of Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). “There is no concern that Roy Suryo, Rismon, or Dr. Tifa will flee, destroy evidence, or repeat the alleged crime,” Sangaji said. He further claimed that investigators were not convinced the trio committed document forgery, pointing to witness statements, expert opinions, and hundreds of pieces of evidence that did not substantiate the allegations. He also denied any request for bail or suspension of detention, stressing: “The decision not to detain was purely the investigators’ discretion, not external intervention.”
The case has named a total of eight suspects. Jakarta Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, explained that they are divided into two clusters: five suspects charged under defamation and the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, and three others—Roy Suryo, Dr. Tifa, and Rismon—facing additional charges related to electronic document manipulation.
Investigators have examined 130 witnesses, 22 experts, and seized 273 pieces of evidence, including Jokowi’s original diploma from Gadjah Mada University. Asep underscored that the investigation revealed the suspects spread false accusations and manipulated documents. “Investigators will coordinate with the Jakarta High Prosecutor’s Office for the next legal steps,” he confirmed.
This case continues to draw public attention, highlighting both the legal complexities and the differing narratives surrounding the decision not to detain the high-profile suspects.***
