Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Reveals Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Falsified Research for Travel Grants

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has revealed the motives of four Indonesian citizens suspected of falsifying research for the International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) in Denmark. He explained that Yogyakarta State University (UNY) has summoned the four suspects, who are alumni of the institution. Following an investigation, it appears the actions were carried out to obtain travel grants.

A travel grant is financial assistance provided by conference organisers, foundations, or organisations to fund an individual’s travel to a specific overseas or domestic location. “UNY has coordinated with us and has directly invited the four suspects for interviews regarding their motives and other details. Therefore, there is currently strong suspicion that they intended to exploit travel grants for overseas trips,” Brian stated at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (2/6).

So far, Brian noted that there are four suspects, though he mentioned some names were entirely unaware of the research in question. He clarified that none of the four suspects hold positions as lecturers or researchers at Indonesian universities. “Since the suspects are not lecturers, we cannot take action through a disciplinary or ethics commission.”

Nevertheless, Brian stated that his office is currently gathering data to follow up on the incident to ensure a deterrent effect. He noted that such actions tarnish the credibility of Indonesian researchers. “We will identify the appropriate legal offences. We will certainly coordinate and perhaps invite law enforcement agencies to determine which aspects can be pursued through legal action,” he added.