Jakarta, ThedailyID — Tifauzia Tyassuma, widely known as Doctor Tifa, rejected an offer to pursue a peaceful settlement during the opening hearing of her alleged defamation case involving former Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday.
The case centers on allegations that Tifa spread false claims regarding Jokowi’s university diploma.
After prosecutors read the indictment, the panel of judges explained that Indonesia’s Criminal Procedure Code allows defendants facing charges carrying a prison sentence of less than five years to seek restorative justice.
The judges also informed Tifa that she could either pursue a settlement, admit the charges, or challenge the indictment through legal procedures.
Following a brief consultation with her lawyers, Tifa rejected the proposal.
“Based on my consultation with my legal team, first, I will not pursue restorative justice,” Tifa told the court.
She also confirmed that she would challenge the charges instead of accepting a plea bargain.
“I will file a legal objection, and I will not accept a plea bargain,” she added.
The court then adjourned the proceedings until July 9, when the trial will continue.
Prosecutors charged Tifa under several articles of Indonesia’s Criminal Code related to alleged defamation and spreading false information.
She also faces charges under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, which governs offenses involving electronic communications and digital content.
The indictment follows a complaint filed by Jokowi over public allegations questioning the authenticity of his university diploma.
The case has attracted widespread public attention because it involves a former president and a prominent public figure, while also raising broader discussions about freedom of expression, defamation laws, and the use of Indonesia’s ITE Law.
