Suspected Research Fraudster at ISPPD Not a Lecturer or Researcher
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is investigating claims of identity and research fabrication by several Indonesian nationals at the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17 to 21 May 2026.
Minister Brian Yuliarto stated the ministry is verifying facts, including the individuals’ status, affiliations, and connections to Indonesian higher education or research institutions. “Based on initial information, those implicated are not active lecturers or researchers at Indonesian universities. However, this matter remains a concern as it could impact perceptions of the national research ecosystem,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The two names suspected of academic ethics violations are Prihantini and Rifaldy Fajar. Brian stressed the ministry is proceeding cautiously, providing space for clarification. Each allegation must be objectively verified with evidence and through academic and research procedures.
Although such cases may affect international perceptions of Indonesian researchers’ integrity, he urged a proportional perspective. “Cases involving a few individuals should not overshadow the achievements of the scientific community upholding ethical standards, maintaining reputation, and producing internationally recognised research,” he added, noting that academic integrity must be the foundation of higher education and research ecosystems. Data fabrication, falsification, or academic affiliation abuse are unacceptable.
Brian explained Indonesia has mechanisms to evaluate research integrity via universities, ethics committees, the Community Service and Research Institution (LPPM), academic quality assurance systems, and monitoring by Kemdiktisaintek and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Regular monitoring of research processes aims to maintain quality, from proposal submissions through multi-level reviews by LPPM and Kemdiktisaintek teams, followed by progress and final report evaluations.
“Research activities must comply with academic ethics regulations. Ethics committees ensure research adheres to principles, including methodology, data use, subject protection, and scientific standards,” Brian said. For studies involving human or animal subjects, researchers must follow national and global ethical clearance requirements. Procedures and governance must be transparent and accessible to stakeholders.
At the international publication level, research articles undergo editorial review, peer review, and correction or retraction mechanisms if violations are found. “With these mechanisms, data validity, research quality, and academic publication integrity are safeguarded,” he said. “However, if these processes are bypassed or mishandled, research quality suffers and data becomes scientifically unaccountable.”
The allegations of identity and research manipulation by Prihantini and Rivaldy were raised by epidemiologist Wa Ode Dwi Daningrat, who attended the conference representing Oxford University. Dwi reported observing Prihantini, whose real name is Prihantini, presenting as Dimas Fajar Prasetyo during a poster spotlight session on day two. Before taking the podium, she removed a name card reading “Riana Dwi Kurniawati” and replaced it with one for “Dimas Fajar Prasetyo” taken from her bag.
“That was right in front of me, no barriers at all. Maybe she was in a rush and not paying attention to those around her,” Dwi said during a video call on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. When questioned about the discrepancy—why “Dimas” wasn’t male—her suspicion grew as Prihantini identified as Dimas.
Further suspicion arose when Prihantini changed her hijab upon entering station 4 where Dwi was present. Dwi observed her covering a red hijab with a black one. During a separate section 2 presentation, she presented as Riana Dwi Kurniati, just 10 minutes apart. Dwi noted Prihantini’s name did not appear in the abstract or poster, yet suddenly appeared in the presentation materials alongside Rivaldy Fajar.
After the session, Dwi asked Prihantini to explain the research claimed to be authored by five people—Prihantini as lead author, Dimas Fajar Prasetyo, Aminatus Sa’adah, Riana Dwi Kurniati, and Rivaldy Fajar as team leader. Dwi found Prihantini unable to explain the abstract or poster details on the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV).
Dwi stated she could not confirm the authenticity…