Researcher apologizes to UMB for falsely using university affiliation in fake research

Rifaldy Fajar has issued a public apology to Universitas Muhammadiyah Bulukumba (UMB) for fabricating research and falsely using the institution's name. Fajar admitted to including his mother's affiliation with UMB on 51 abstracts submitted to various international conferences, seminars, and publications without the university's direct consent.

In a video clarification uploaded by UMB, Fajar expressed his deep regret to the university, acknowledging the unauthorized use of its name. He stated that these abstracts, which listed his mother, Elfiany Syafruddin, as affiliated with UMB, were submitted to multiple academic events. Fajar pledged to take responsibility for retracting and correcting all publications that improperly used the UMB affiliation and stated his willingness to face any consequences arising from his failure to fulfill this commitment.

The scandal first came to light when Fajar, along with Prihantini and Rini Winarti, were reportedly caught fabricating data using artificial intelligence for research presented at the International Society of Pneumonia and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) 2026 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. This modus operandi, allegedly used to secure funding for international travel, also involved falsely attributing research to other scientists and universities.

UMB's Research and Community Service Institute (LP2M) issued a legal notice demanding Fajar retract all scientific works, papers, and abstracts bearing the UMB name or affiliation by June 30, 2026. The university is taking this matter seriously, as Fajar's mother, Elfiany Syafruddin, is no longer listed as a faculty member at UMB. The case has gained significant traction on social media, drawing attention to the broader issue of research integrity and academic misconduct.