UAJY Lecturer Dismissal Over Predatory Journal Report Goes Viral, University Responds

A lecturer at Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta (UAJY), identified by the initial R, has been dismissed after reporting alleged predatory journal publications involving several academics at the institution. The Slamet Rijadi Yogyakarta Foundation (YSRY), which operates UAJY, has issued a statement regarding the matter.

The case went viral after being posted on the Instagram account @lbhyogyakarta. “Criticism Met with Termination: UAJY Faculty of Law Worker/Lecturer Silenced for Criticising Predatory Journal Publications,” read the post.

Public lawyer Wetub Toatub from YLBHI-LBH Jogja explained that R initially reported suspected predatory journal publications allegedly involving fellow lecturers, bureaucratic officials, and professors at UAJY. The report was submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) and the foundation.

“Unfortunately, she was summoned by the rectorate, and they considered that her actions—sending an email and reporting alleged predatory journal activities by fellow lecturers, campus officials, and professors—would tarnish the good name of UAJY,” Wetub said.

He stated that before the dismissal letter was issued on 17 April, the campus gave R several options. The first was to resign, and the second was to apologise and retract the report. If neither option was chosen, she would face dishonourable discharge.

The foundation confirmed the dishonourable dismissal of the Faculty of Law lecturer, asserting that the decision complied with legal provisions and YSRY’s internal regulations.

“It is true that YSRY, as the operator of UAJY, has made the decision to dishonourably dismiss Ms R, who previously served as a lecturer at the UAJY Faculty of Law,” said YSRY’s legal counsel, Hengky Widhi Antoro, in a written statement. The head of the Centre for Legal Aid and Consultation (PBKH) at UAJY added that the decision was not taken suddenly or without basis, noting that the case process began in 2024 and continued through 2026. “Every decision taken is always based on the principles of accountability and institutional responsibility,” he stated. Hengky also noted that YSRY is open to R pursuing legal channels regarding the matter.