Fajarasia.id – The Honorary Council of the Constitutional Court (MKMK) has affirmed that Justice Arsul Sani is entitled to issue clarifications to the media regarding allegations of a fake doctoral diploma. The report was filed with the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) by the Alliance of Constitutional Watchdog Society.
MKMK Chair I Dewa Gede Palguna stated that Arsul’s right of reply is protected under Indonesia’s Press Law.
“Yes, please. It is in accordance with the Press Law,” Palguna said on Sunday (Nov 16, 2025).
He explained that Arsul may respond to news coverage that directly concerns him, as long as his comments remain within the context of the reporting.
“It is his right because the news involves him personally. What is prohibited is commenting beyond that,” Palguna added.
Arsul’s Position
Justice Arsul Sani previously emphasized that he would not engage in public disputes over the issue, noting that the matter is already being handled by MKMK.
“As a judge, I am bound by the code of ethics not to engage in polemics. This case is also being addressed by MKMK,” Arsul said on Saturday (Nov 16, 2025).
Police Report Filed
The Alliance of Constitutional Watchdog Society lodged a formal complaint with Bareskrim, alleging that Arsul Sani used a fraudulent doctoral diploma.
Alliance coordinator Betran Sulani argued that the position of Constitutional Court justice requires strong academic integrity, and the authenticity of Arsul’s doctoral degree must be verified to maintain public trust in the institution.
“If a justice uses a fake diploma to secure the position, it undermines the constitution itself,” Betran told reporters at Bareskrim on Friday (Nov 14, 2025).
He said the alliance submitted several pieces of evidence, including media reports, to support the complaint. Betran also claimed that the university where Arsul pursued his doctoral studies is currently under investigation by Poland’s anti-corruption authority.
“One of the proofs we presented was news coverage of an inquiry by Poland’s Anti-Corruption Commission into the legality of the university where the justice completed his doctoral program in 2023,” Betran explained.****
