Chair of Indonesia's House of Representatives X Commission takes research fabrication case seriously
Chair of Indonesia’s House of Representatives X Commission, Hetifah Sjaifudian, highlighted concerns over alleged research fabrication involving Indonesian citizens at the International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (IS PPD) 2026 in Denmark. She stated the matter must be taken seriously due to its implications for academic integrity and Indonesia’s international reputation.
“The alleged research fabrication by Indonesian citizens at the IS PPD conference in Denmark must be treated seriously, as it concerns academic integrity and Indonesia’s standing in international forums,” she said on Thursday, 28 May.
Furthermore, Hetifah respected the government’s initial explanation through Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, who stated that the parties involved are not active lecturers or researchers. However, she believes further investigation is necessary to be conducted objectively and transparently.
“The statement from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology that the suspected individuals are not active lecturers or researchers should be respected as the government’s preliminary explanation, but this does not preclude the need for thorough and transparent follow-up to prevent public speculation,” she added.
She emphasised the importance of fact-based investigations, including direct clarifications from the Indonesian citizens accused of academic ethical violations.
“We fundamentally advocate for objective, transparent, and fact-based investigations. Direct clarifications from the accused Indonesian citizens are also crucial to fully understand the issue, including whether there was indeed an academic ethical violation, administrative errors, or a misunderstanding in the conference process,” she continued.
Hetifah stressed that such clarifications are necessary to prevent any party from being harmed without clear evidence. She hopes Indonesia’s academic community will maintain high integrity standards.
“This step is essential to avoid any party being unfairly disadvantaged without solid grounds. Such cases should prompt a review of Indonesia’s research and scientific publication governance moving forward. We hope the academic community continues to uphold high integrity standards, as the national research reputation is a vital part of the country’s global competitiveness,” she concluded.