Indonesia’s VP faces lawsuit over validity of his Singapore high-school diploma

Indonesia’s Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is facing mounting legal scrutiny after a citizen filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of his high-school equivalency diploma.

The case has ignited intense national debate about foreign academic credentials and eligibility conditions for high public office.

The lawsuit was submitted on 4 September 2025 by Subhan Palal at the Central Jakarta District Court, registered under 583/Pdt.G/2025/PN Jkt.Pst.

According to the filing, Gibran’s secondary education at Orchid Park Secondary School in Singapore (2002–2004) and UTS Insearch in Sydney (2004–2007) allegedly does not meet Indonesia’s legal standard of an equivalent senior secondary school diploma.

Subhan argues that without a formally recognised Indonesian “SLTA sederajat” certificate, Gibran’s eligibility under election law may be compromised. His suit echoes long-standing concerns raised by several political commentators.

The controversy intensified when former minister Roy Suryo alleged that Gibran “99.9 per cent” did not graduate from UTS Insearch, a claim he said followed informal checks in Sydney.

Gibran rejects allegations and offers transparency

Gibran has denied any impropriety. He has stated publicly that his documents are authentic and has expressed willingness to display them openly.

He light-heartedly invited critics to travel with him to Singapore to inspect the records directly.

He also responded to accusations that he had “purchased” a foreign diploma with a touch of humour, telling reporters that if critics insisted on such claims, they might as well say the certificate came with “free shipping”.

Despite his assurances, criticism has continued, including viral claims that his academic performance was weak. One post alleged a GPA equivalent to 2.3 on Indonesia’s scale.

Gibran dismissed the claims as unverified and inaccurate, questioning the credibility of the sources behind the reports.

MDIS Singapore confirms Gibran’s academic record

Seeking to address uncertainties, the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) issued a formal statement on 1 October 2025, confirming Gibran’s status as a full-time student from 2007 to 2010.

According to MDIS, Gibran completed an Advanced Diploma, which aligns in Singapore with Indonesia’s D4-level qualification, before earning a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marketing through a programme run jointly with the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.

MDIS emphasised that its academic pathways meet rigorous accreditation standards, including those delivered in cooperation with foreign universities.

Legal process and political interpretations

The court-mandated mediation between Subhan and Gibran concluded without agreement in mid-October 2025. The case will now move to a full trial phase.

Gibran’s legal team has stated that negotiations failed because the plaintiff sought conditions involving third-party institutions, which could not be accommodated.

The case has drawn political reactions. Andy Budiman of Partai Solidaritas Indonesia (PSI) suggested the legal challenge is politically motivated, claiming the controversy is being used to destabilise the government rather than resolve academic questions.

Subhan, however, maintains that the lawsuit is strictly focused on clarifying whether Gibran’s foreign qualifications meet statutory requirements.

Lawsuit involving Joko Widodo’s UGM diploma

Although unrelated in legal terms, public attention on Gibran’s qualifications has coincided with a separate civil lawsuit targeting the academic credentials of his father, former President Joko Widodo.

In May 2025, a plaintiff filed a claim at the Sleman District Court, alleging irregularities in Jokowi’s undergraduate diploma from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

UGM has firmly defended its academic integrity, submitting archival records and alumni testimonies confirming Jokowi’s status.

On 22 May 2025, the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) concluded a forensic review affirming that Jokowi’s diploma is authentic and that no criminal act had occurred.

Although separate, the parallel timing of the two cases has strengthened public narratives linking them and has increased political attention on the educational histories of Indonesia’s leading figures.