Research Fabrication Case Sparks Concerns Over Indonesian Researchers' International Reputation

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Representative Council’s Commission X, Lalu Hadrian Irfani, fears that allegations of research fabrication by Indonesian participants at the 2026 International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) conference could tarnish the reputation of Indonesian researchers globally. He has urged the government to take the case of research fabrication at the international conference seriously. ‘Alleged medical research fabrication to secure overseas travel grants must be taken seriously as it concerns academic integrity and public trust,’ Lalu told journalists on Thursday (28 May 2026). ‘The government must conduct a transparent and objective investigation to establish the facts of the case. If found guilty, perpetrators should face strict sanctions, both academically and legally,’ Lalu stated. He called on the government to learn from this case, as it could damage the reputation of other Indonesian researchers. ‘The government must also strengthen oversight and selection of research grants to prevent recurrence and maintain Indonesia’s research credibility,’ Lalu added. The alleged actions were reportedly carried out to secure free funding for attending overseas conferences. Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto is investigating the alleged fabrication scandal. Brian said the ministry is coordinating with relevant parties to verify the facts. This includes verifying participants’ status, affiliations used, and their connection to Indonesian higher education institutions or research bodies. Therefore, academic integrity must be the cornerstone of the higher education and research ecosystem. ‘Data fabrication, falsification, and academic affiliation misuse are unequivocally unacceptable,’ Brian stressed.