IPB University Debunks Hoax About 3D Reconstruction of Ancient Ancestor's Face

Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) in Indonesia has officially denied claims circulating on social media that its scientists have successfully created a 3D reconstruction of the face of the first human ancestor from Nusantara. The information, which began spreading in late July on platforms like Facebook, falsely stated that IPB researchers had reconstructed a 3D model of the ancient ancestor's face. The viral posts included a 3D facial image accompanied by a narrative claiming the success of this reconstruction. The narrative suggested that researchers studied fossils, bones, and skulls found in Ngawi, East Java, comparing them with modern humans and other primates to understand the evolution of physical traits over millions of years. However, IPB clarified on August 2nd via its official Instagram account, "@ipbtoday," that this information is untrue. According to IPB's statement, its scientists have never conducted research to create a 3D model visualizing the face of the first human ancestor from Nusantara. The university indicated that the information originated from accounts publishing memes and emphasized, "Not everything circulating on social media is fact." IPB urged the public to verify information from official sources to prevent misunderstandings. The "Cek Fakta (Fact Check)" team at Liputan6.com, a member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) since 2018, is dedicated to improving media literacy in Indonesian society. The team actively conducts fact-checking activities, viewing the spread of hoaxes as a form of societal "ignorance-spreading."