ITB States Alleged Research Fraud by Alumnus in Denmark is Individual Action

Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has stated that the alleged manipulation (fraud) in research at an international conference involving one of its alumni, Prihantini, is an individual legal act. The university asserts that the activity is unrelated to academic operations or institutional reputation.

FMIPA Dean Aep Patah explained that the material presented by Prihantini at the International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17-21 May 2026, was unrelated to her thesis. Prihantini is a 2020 Master of Mathematics graduate who completed her thesis titled ‘Analytical Study of Water Waves Caused by Landslides on Sloping Coasts’ in 2022.

“ITB views Sister Prihatini’s actions as an individual legal matter. Should legal proceedings arise from this, ITB fully respects the legal process,” Aep said, citing Antara on Thursday, 28 May.

The case emerged after researchers from Udayana University, Ida Bagus Mandhara Brasika and Wa Ode Dwi Daningrat, exposed the alleged research falsification on social media. The research group comprising Prihantini, Rifaldy Fajar, and Rini Winarti is suspected of using fabricated research to secure grant funding at the pneumonia expert conference.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Diktisaintek), Brian Yuliarto, stated the government is monitoring the case. Initial verification confirmed the three individuals are not registered as active lecturers or researchers at domestic universities.

“This issue remains a ministry concern as it could impact perceptions of the national research ecosystem,” Brian stressed. ITB has also urged the public to objectively separate alumni’s personal affairs from the institution’s integrity.