ITB Expresses Concern over Alumna's Alleged Involvement in Research Manipulation Scandal at International Conference

Bandung – ITB has spoken out regarding its former master’s student, Prihantini, suspected of falsifying research at an overseas conference. The institution expressed concern over allegations of fraud or manipulation in the international event.

The conference attended by Prihantini and her colleague was the 2026 Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) event, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17-21 May. ITB confirmed Prihantini is a 2020 batch graduate of the FMIPA mathematics master’s programme, completing her studies in 2022.

FMIPA Dean Aep Patah stated that Prihantini’s presented material at the conference was unrelated to her thesis or academic activities at ITB. He noted her master’s thesis titled ’ Analytical Study of Water Waves Due to Landslide on Sloping Shores’.

‘ITB’s position is that Ms Prihantini’s actions constitute a personal legal matter,’ he said in a written statement received Thursday (28 May 2026).

Aep added that if legal proceedings arise, ITB will fully respect them. The university reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening an ethical and responsible research culture.

Previously, Prihantini and her colleague Rifaldy went viral on social media, suspected of fabricating research to qualify for the international conference.

They allegedly falsified data to secure grants for overseas travel, with reports suggesting the trip was for personal tourism.

On social media platform X, both issued apologies for alleged research manipulation, promising not to repeat such actions.