Jakarta: Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is investigating alleged research fabrication by Indonesian nationals at the 2026 International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) conference in Denmark.
"We have formed a special investigation team led by the Ministry’s Inspector General," Minister Brian Yuliarto announced during a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta as quoted from Antara, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
"We have also coordinated with Yogyakarta State University (UNY), the alma mater where the primary suspect graduated,” added Minister Brian.
An initial probe revealed that almost none of the individuals involved hold active roles as lecturers or formal educators at any Indonesian university.
The absence of official academic status complicates direct administrative measures, such as dismissal or internal disciplinary sanctions.
“When the perpetrators are not lecturers, our ministerial authority does not directly extend to that area,” Yuliarto explained.
“Normally, after an investigation, we would convene an ethics and disciplinary commission hearing,” he added.
Despite these jurisdictional limitations, UNY has proactively summoned four suspects for questioning regarding their motives.
Meanwhile, the ministry is collecting evidence to support potential criminal fraud charges against the group for allegedly misrepresenting themselves and their affiliations.
"We believe that without legal action, there will be no deterrent effect...one of our key findings is the unauthorized use of affiliations. They used university names without permission, which constitutes fraud," Yuliarto said.
The minister emphasized that swift, decisive measures are crucial. Beyond concerns over the poor quality and alleged fabrication of the submitted papers, the case risks damaging the international reputation of Indonesia’s academic community.
“We continue to coordinate closely on this matter because we have received extensive feedback,” Yuliarto stated.
“Although this occurred outside formal institutional structures, from an ethical standpoint and in the eyes of the international community, it could create a highly negative perception of Indonesian researchers,” he added.
The suspects allegedly manipulated scientific data and falsified institutional affiliations to obtain travel grants, allowing them to attend the overseas conference at no cost.
Indonesia Launches Investigation into Research Fraud at Denmark Conference
