UAJY Foundation Responds to Lecturer Dismissal After Reporting Predatory Journals
The Slamet Rijadi Yogyakarta Foundation (YSRY), the organising body of Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY), has spoken out regarding the viral news of a lecturer, identified by the initial R, who was dismissed after reporting the alleged use of predatory journals by several academics. The foundation’s legal counsel, Hengky Widhi Antoro, responded to the viral reports through a written statement received by detikJogja on Friday (12/6/2026).
In response to the various information and news circulating on social media and in the mass media concerning the legal matter of a lecturer’s dismissal within UAJY, the foundation stated it needed to convey several points as a form of accountability to the public and all university stakeholders.
Firstly, it is true that YSRY, as the organiser of UAJY, has made a decision to dishonourably dismiss ‘R’, who previously served as a lecturer at the UAJY Faculty of Law. Secondly, this decision was not taken suddenly or without basis. The process of resolving this matter began in 2024 and continued until 2026. The decision is an institutional action based on applicable legal provisions and YSRY’s internal regulations.
Thirdly, as the organiser of a higher education institution that upholds integrity, professionalism, good governance, and compliance with rules, YSRY has an obligation to enforce the standards of behaviour and ethics applicable to all members of the academic community. Every decision taken is always based on the principles of accountability and institutional responsibility.
Fourthly, YSRY respects the right of ‘R’ to pursue legal remedies, which are currently in process under Law Number 2 of 2004 concerning Industrial Relations Dispute Settlement and have passed the Bipartite stage. The foundation believes that the legal process is the proper forum to examine and assess all arguments, facts, and evidence submitted by the parties. It therefore invites all parties to respect the ongoing legal process and not to form premature conclusions before a legally binding decision is reached.
It was previously reported that a UAJY lecturer, R, was dismissed from her job for reporting alleged predatory journal publications involving several campus academics. The incident went viral after being posted on the Instagram account @lbhyogyakarta. The post stated, ‘Criticism Met with Termination: UAJY Faculty of Law Worker/Lecturer Silenced for Criticising Predatory Journal Publications.’
Public Lawyer from YLBHI-LBH Jogja, Wetub Toatubun, explained that R initially reported the alleged predatory journal publications, which were suspected to involve several lecturers, campus bureaucratic officials, and even professors at UAJY. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) and the foundation. Wetub stated that R had a basis for the report, possessing what she considered strong evidence to classify the publications as predatory journals.