Viral! Indonesian Researchers Suspected of Faking Research Using AI at the World Forum at ISPPD 2026 Denmark, Here’s the Chronology

Indonesian Researchers Suspected of Faking Research Using AI at the World Forum at ISPPD 2026 Denmark. (Photo: Freepik)

WORLD Indonesian academics are in the spotlight after allegations of research falsification involving a number of Indonesian citizens emerged. The incident occurred at the 2026 International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases (ISPPD) international conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 17–21 May 2026.

This case went viral on social media after a number of researchers revealed the alleged use of fake data based on artificial intelligence (AI). Apart from that, this researcher was also accused of falsifying his identity, including including fictitious names of researchers in scientific presentations.

1. Chronology of Indonesian Researchers Suspected of Faking Research Using AI

Reporting from an upload from the Instagram account @wodd, this case was first widely discussed after an Indonesian researcher posted on social media who claimed to have discovered irregularities during the conference. Initial suspicions arose when one of the participants was said to have appeared several times in different sessions with different identities, name tags and institutional affiliations. This method is said to be carried out simply by changing the headscarf and conference identity card.

Suspicions then spread to the research material presented. A number of parties consider that the research brought by the alleged perpetrator is unreasonable and is thought to be the result of data fabrication using AI.

The research is said to include research locations in various countries such as Peru, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Nepal and South Sudan. However, there were no local collaborators or information regarding research ethics approval.

Some of the names frequently mentioned in this case include Rifaldy Fajar, Prihantini, and Rini Winarti. They are suspected of using research institutions whose existence is not clear as a research affiliation. Another allegation is that the research was used to obtain travel grants or travel funds to attend international conferences for free.