Academic Dean Calls for Transparency in Investigation of Alleged Research Data Fabrication

Jakarta — The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto, Rudi Prihatno, has called for transparency in the investigation process concerning alleged research data fabrication involving one of the university’s lecturers.

Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday, Rudi stated that the case has received no official updates since a team from the Inspector General’s office of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) was deployed in September 2025.

“Every investigative process certainly requires time to ensure results are objective and procedurally sound. However, at the same time, proportional communication with the public is also important to prevent speculation,” he said.

Rudi believes that where alleged violations of scientific integrity intersect with the use of public funds, accountability must be strengthened whilst maintaining the presumption of innocence.

Information has also emerged regarding potential state losses estimated at hundreds of millions of rupiah.

Rudi emphasised the strategic role of the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) at Kemdiktisaintek as the national oversight body in ensuring scientific integrity standards are applied consistently.

He also noted that coordination with the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti) is important to ensure uniform oversight across all higher education institutions.

“Ditjen Dikti and LLDikti have strong supervisory roles. Strengthened coordination and monitoring systems will help ensure that academic ethical standards are maintained comprehensively across both state and private higher education institutions,” said Rudi.

He believes that a measured and transparent response will actually strengthen public confidence in the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of higher education.

“What is most important is ensuring the system works properly. When violations are alleged, the process must proceed well and results must be communicated clearly to maintain confidence in higher education,” said Rudi Prihatno.