IT Statement on Prihantini's Thesis and International Conference

Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has expressed concern over Prihantini’s alleged manipulation of research at an international conference. FMIPA Dean Aep Patah stated that Prihantini, a 2020 graduate of ITB’s Master’s program in mathematics who completed her studies in 2022, presented material at the conference unrelated to her thesis or academic activities at ITB.

Her thesis was titled ‘Analytical Study of Water Wave Due to Landslide on a Sloping Beach.’ ‘The material presented at the international conference is not related to her thesis or any academic activities at ITB,’ Aep said in a statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

ITB stated that if legal proceedings arise against Prihantini, it will respect the process. ‘ITB reaffirms its commitment to strengthen academic culture, especially in research integrity and responsible conduct,’ he added.

Previously, it was reported that Prihantini allegedly falsified research and identity while participating in the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISSPD) conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17-21 May 2026. The allegations were raised by epidemiologist Wa Ode Dwi Daningrat from Oxford University’s research team who attended the conference.

According to Dwi, a woman named Prihantini introduced herself as Dimas Fajar Prasetyo during an oral presentation on the second day for the poster spotlight segment. Before approaching the podium, she removed a name card that read ‘Riana Dwi Kurniawati’ and changed her attire when presenting in two different segments.

Dwi also noted that the abstracts and research posters by Prihantini and her team showed signs of fabricated data and AI-generated text. The preliminary suspicion is that they sought to obtain travel grants for the conference without conducting genuine research.

The Indonesian Education Scholarship Agency (LPDP) confirmed Prihantini as a scholarship recipient who completed her studies in 2022. LPDP’s Legal and Communication Division Head M. Lukmanul Hakim stated that they would further investigate her compliance with scholarship obligations through coordination with the university. The findings will determine the next steps for LPDP.