UNY Awaiting 'Tabayyun' on Alumni's Alleged Fake Research Scandal

Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) is currently conducting a verification process regarding viral claims that several alumni were involved in falsifying research at an international conference. The university has not received any official reports, only social media posts, and is taking care to clarify the matter before taking action.

Wakil Rektor Bidang Akademik UNY, Prof Nur Hidayanto, confirmed that he received the names of the alumni from social media but stressed that no formal complaints had been made. ‘We are still processing the information; there is no official report yet, only social media. We need to be cautious to avoid future issues and ensure we don’t wrong anyone,’ he told detikJogja on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

He acknowledged that some names in the alumni database match those circulating online but emphasised the need for verification. ‘We are still investigating and conducting tabayyun [ verification] with the individuals involved,’ he said.

Previously, a social media post by @w.o.d.d. on Instagram alleged a organised falsification scandal at the International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (IS PPD) in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17-21 May 2026. The post claimed Indonesian researchers falsified data, including identity deception such as changing names, hijabs, and name tags, and using AI-generated data to create fake research.

‘… this resulted in them receiving travel grants to travel abroad for free. Free, as Indonesia’s reputation is damaged in the eyes of global scientists,’ the post stated.

A post on X by @RidhaIntifadha also listed four suspects, two of whom allegedly graduated from UNY.