Bulukumba News – The door to the meeting room was tightly closed while the clarification process was taking place. On the table, sheet after sheet of documents lay open. The name of Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba is listed in a number of international scientific publications which were the subject of discussion that afternoon.
In front of the campus, Rifaldy Fajar finally delivered a confession that changed the direction of the academic polemic which had attracted public attention in recent days.
He admitted that he had included, used and linked the name of Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University in various academic activities without official approval from the institution concerned.
For the academic world, affiliation is not just an identity line under the author’s name. That’s where an institution’s reputation, research accountability, and scientific credibility are at stake.
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UM Bulukumba demands publication withdrawal
Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba, through the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M), Ilmar Andi Achmad, took firm steps after the clarification process was completed on Wednesday, June 3 2026.
According to Ilmar, the use of the institution’s name was carried out without procedures and without the approval of campus leadership.
“The First Party has strictly instructed the Second Party to immediately withdraw (retract) all scientific works, papers and research abstracts containing the name and/or affiliation of Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University from all related journals or conference organizers,” said Ilmar, quoted from an official statement on Wednesday, June 3 2026.
The campus also sets clear deadlines.
Rifaldy was asked to complete the entire publication withdrawal process no later than June 30 2026 and submit proof of withdrawal to Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba.
This step shows that the issue of scientific affiliation is taken seriously by universities. The name of an institution listed in academic publications carries significant administrative, ethical and reputational consequences.
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Rifaldy Fajar’s confession and threat of legal action
In a signed official statement, Rifaldy Fajar openly admitted his actions.
“I admit that I made a mistake by including, using, using, or associating the name of Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba (UMB) in various academic activities, research, scientific conferences, seminars, publications, submitting abstracts, or other professional activities without proper authority and/or approval from Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba,” he wrote.
He also apologized to the entire campus academic community and expressed his willingness to accept the consequences if he carried out similar actions again in the future.
Meanwhile, Ilmar emphasized that Muhammadiyah University Bulukumba does not rule out the possibility of taking legal action if the agreement that has been made is violated.
“If in the future the Second Party repeats the same actions or does not carry out the obligations in points 3 and 4, then Muhammadiyah Bulukumba University has the right to take legal action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he stressed.
In the midst of increasing attention to academic integrity and the credibility of scientific publications, the case involving the name UM Bulukumba is a reminder that every identity listed in a scientific work carries a responsibility that cannot be separated from academic ethics. Because in the world of research, trust is built over years, but can be risked by just one affiliate line used without rights.***
