Rifaldy Fajar Admits Using Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University Name for Fake Research
Rifaldy Fajar, a suspected perpetrator of research fabrication, has issued an open apology to Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University (UMB) regarding the unauthorised use of the university’s affiliation in a scientific research forgery scandal.
“I sincerely apologise to UMB, specifically Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University, for using the name of Muhammadiyah Bulukability University without direct consent from UMB,” stated Rifaldy via a clarification video uploaded by UMB through the @unmu_bulukumba account on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
According to his confession, there are 51 abstracts that include the name of his mother, Elfiany Syafruddin, with an affiliation to Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University without the university’s permission. These abstracts were previously submitted to various international conferences, seminars, publications, and other professional activities.
Rifaldy has promised to endeavour to withdraw and clear all publications that misuse UMB’s name. He also stated that he is prepared to accept all consequences should he fail to fulfil this commitment. “I am ready to accept and bear the consequences in accordance with the applicable regulations,” he said.
The case of alleged fake research by Rifaldy first came to light after he, along with Prihantini and Rini Winarti, were caught during the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) 2026 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, held from 17–21 May 2026. They are suspected of fabricating data using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce fraudulent research. Furthermore, they allegedly misappropriated the names of several other researchers and universities without permission. This modus operandi was reportedly used to participate in international conferences and secure travel grants for overseas trips.
The case went viral on social media and drew significant scrutiny. Investigations revealed numerous other fake studies created by Rifaldy Fajar, using his mother’s name affiliated with Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University. His mother, Elfiany Syafruddin, is no longer recorded as a lecturer at the university.
In response to the unauthorised use of its name, the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) of UMB issued a legal summons to Rifaldy Fajar to provide clarification within a specified deadline. The university also summoned and interrogated Rifaldy.
In its demands, UMB requested that Rifaldly withdraw all scientific works, papers, and research abstracts containing the name and/or affiliation of Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University from all relevant journals or conference organisers. UMB has set a deadline of 30 June 2026 for Rifaldy to complete the withdrawal process.
“The Second Party promises and is willing to complete the retraction process of said publications no later than 30 June 2026 and will submit proof of retraction to the UMB Bulukumba authorities,” stated the Head of LP2M UMB Bulukumba, Ilmar Andi Achmad, in the Clarification Minutes document dated 3 June 2026.