Atma Jaya Jogja Dismisses Lecturer Who Reported Predatory Journal Allegations
A lecturer at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY), identified by the initial R, has been dismissed from her job after reporting suspected predatory journal publications involving a number of campus academics. The university’s foundation has now spoken out regarding the controversy.
The incident went viral after being posted on Instagram by @lbhyogyakarta. “Criticism Answered with Termination: UAJY Faculty of Law Lecturer Silenced for Criticising Predatory Journal Publications,” the post stated.
Public Lawyer from YLBHI-LBH Jogja, Wetub Toatubun, explained that R initially reported the alleged predatory journal publications, which were suspected to involve several lecturers, campus bureaucratic officials, and even professors at UAJY. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) and the university’s foundation.
“R had reported suspected predatory journal publications by several colleagues, even campus bureaucratic officials at UAJY, up to professors,” Wetub said. “This report actually had a basis. There is some evidence that R considered strong enough to classify it as a predatory journal. She reported it to Kemendiktisaintek.”
Wetub stated that the report made by R was grounded in a number of pieces of evidence deemed quite strong. One example was a journal that had been discontinued by Scopus, yet its publications were still being used.
R was reportedly summoned by the rectorate. During that clarification process, the campus allegedly assessed that the report submitted by R had the potential to tarnish the good name of UAJY.
“R’s hope was that she could be protected as a reporter or whistleblower. It is not easy to speak up about issues concerning academic integrity,” Wetub said. “Unfortunately, she was summoned by the rectorate, and they considered that her actions of sending an email and reporting alleged predatory journal practices by fellow lecturers, campus officials, and professors would tarnish UAJY’s reputation.”
Wetub revealed that before the dismissal letter was issued on 17 April, R was given several options by the campus. The first option was to resign. The second was to apologise and retract the report. If neither option was chosen, she would be dishonourably dismissed.
“R refused because she considered this discriminatory treatment. Why should she be sanctioned, and not the parties suspected of engaging in predatory journal publications,” he said.
Wetub claimed the alleged predatory journal publications involved more than a dozen academics, comprising lecturers, campus officials, and professors.
In response, the Slamet Rijadi Yogyakarta Foundation (YSRY), which operates UAJY, confirmed the dishonourable dismissal of the Faculty of Law lecturer. “It is true that YSRY, as the operator of UAJY, has made the decision to dishonourably dismiss R, who previously served as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UAJY,” said YSRY’s legal counsel, Hengky Widhi Antoro, in a written statement.
Hengky, who is also the Head of the UAJY Legal Aid and Consultation Centre, added that the decision was not taken suddenly or without basis, noting that the process of resolving the matter began in 2024 and continued into 2026. “The decision is an institutional action based on applicable legal provisions and YSRY’s internal regulations,” he said.
He stated that as an organiser of a higher education institution that upholds integrity, professionalism, good governance, and compliance with rules, YSRY has an obligation to enforce standards of conduct and ethics for the entire academic community. “Every decision taken is always based on the principles of accountability and institutional responsibility,” he said.
Hengky also noted that YSRY allows R to pursue legal channels regarding the incident. “YSRY respects R’s right to take legal action, which is currently in process under Law Number 2 of 2004 concerning Industrial Relations Dispute Settlement and has passed the Bipartite stage,” he said.
In this matter, YSRY has appointed the UAJY Legal Aid and Consultation Centre as its legal counsel to represent the foundation’s interests throughout the ongoing legal process. “UAJY remains committed to carrying out the tridharma of higher education by prioritising quality and integrity, and ensuring all academic and institutional activities run properly, professionally, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he concluded.