JAKARTA, The Kabar News—Former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was scheduled to testify at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the defamation trial of former youth and sports minister Roy Suryo over allegations concerning Jokowi’s university diploma.

Authorities deployed approximately 1,200 personnel from the National Police (Polri), Indonesian Military (TNI) and East Jakarta Public Order Agency to secure the courthouse. Police expected supporters of both Jokowi and the defendants to gather outside the building.

“We have prepared around 1,200 personnel to secure the East Jakarta District Court throughout the trial,” Cakung Police chief Comr. Andre Tri Putra said, as quoted by ANTARA.

Police divided the security operation into three zones. The first covers the main courtroom, while the second encompasses the court complex. The third extends beyond the courthouse to surrounding roads and public areas.

Officers also prepared situational traffic diversions after congestion developed around the court early Thursday. Officials said they could adjust the arrangements according to crowd size and road conditions.

The court has capped attendance inside the courtroom at approximately 80 people, although the hearing remains open to the public. East Jakarta District Court chief Efendi said the limit applies equally to all groups.

“This is an open trial. We do not discriminate. Supporters from all sides and members of the public may attend,” Efendi said. “However, if the room holds 80 people, we should not admit more because it would become uncomfortable.”

The attendance restriction aims to maintain order and reduce the possibility of confrontation between rival groups.

Jokowi’s aide, Adj. Sr. Comr. Syarif Muhammad Fitriansyah, confirmed that the court had summoned both men as witnesses.

“We received the witness summons from the East Jakarta District Court on Tuesday for Mr. Joko Widodo and for me. We will attend the court on Nov. 5,” Syarif said.

Prosecutors scheduled Roy’s hearing for 9 a.m. They also planned to call Jokowi in a separate proceeding involving Tifauzia Tyassuma, widely known as Dokter Tifa, at 2 p.m. The two defendants face separate cases and case numbers.

Prosecutors accuse Roy of attacking Jokowi’s honor and reputation through online statements that questioned the authenticity of his diploma. Roy has denied wrongdoing and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court issues a final ruling.

The court registered Roy’s case as No. 300/Pid.B/2026/PN JKT.TIM. Prosecutors charged him under provisions of the 2023 Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, according to court reporting published by the Supreme Court.

The hearing gives the prosecution an opportunity to question Jokowi as the person who reported the alleged reputational harm. Roy’s lawyers will also have the right to question him and challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

The legal outcome should not depend on the existence of large rival crowds. Judges must weigh the testimony, electronic records and other evidence presented during a hearing while ensuring all parties receive a fair hearing.