BRIN chief warns against AI misuse in scientific research

  Indonesia's research agency chief warned that artificial intelligence must not undermine academic integrity, calling for stronger safeguards as global concerns grow over AI-generated data manipulation and research misconduct.

Arif Satria, head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), said AI should never be used at the expense of scientific honesty.

His remarks came in response to a growing number of international cases involving falsified data, analysis, and research interpretations generated through artificial intelligence tools.

"AI should accelerate innovation, not serve as a tool to fabricate data and experiments to achieve publication metrics instantly," Arif said in a statement released in Jakarta 

He said recent global controversies underscore the need for clear and comprehensive regulations defining the limits and ethical use of AI in research activities.

According to Arif, scientific integrity faces new challenges requiring more adaptive regulatory safeguards, as the convenience offered by AI must not compromise academic standards.

He said reforms should include tighter oversight of international partnerships while reaffirming the application of universal quality-assurance procedures across all research activities, including domestic and regional projects.

Arif stressed that BRIN's monitoring mechanisms allow no exceptions. Research quality standards apply equally to international collaborations and local studies conducted throughout Indonesia.

"Multiple layers of oversight, ranging from ethics clearance and independent audits by research ethics committees to mandatory raw-data transparency, are implemented universally," he said.

Arif said the measures are intended to encourage responsible adoption of open science principles. BRIN also maintains strict penalties for serious violations, including grant termination, revocation of expert status, blacklisting, and potential legal action.

"The highest honor of a scientist rests on honesty in process and meaningful contributions to civilization, not on the quantity of publications generated through machine manipulation," Arif said.

Indonesia was recently shaken by a case involving citizens accused of fabricating international research.

Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto said the alleged research fraud by Indonesian nationals in Denmark was motivated solely by efforts to obtain travel grants.

Speaking at a parliamentary hearing with Commission X in Jakarta on June 2, Brian stressed that the suspects were not seeking to meet Indonesia's academic credit requirements for lecturers.

"The motive was not related to academic credit points because they are not lecturers and do not accumulate such credits," he said. "Based