LPDP Scholarship Recipient Faces Repayment Demand Over Alleged Failure to Fulfill Service Obligation

Jakarta – The Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), Indonesia’s Endowment Fund for Education Agency, is demanding that an alumnus, identified only as AP, potentially repay his scholarship funds after allegations surfaced that he has not fulfilled his mandatory contribution obligation to Indonesia. This action follows a recent public controversy involving his wife, DS, who went viral on social media for expressing a preference for her children to hold foreign passports.

Background of the Case

The case came to light after DS shared a video on Instagram expressing her desire for her children to obtain passports from countries with stronger international standing. LPDP officials have stated that DS has already completed her 2N+1 service obligation, which requires alumni to contribute to Indonesia for a period equivalent to twice their study duration plus one year. But, AP, her husband, is alleged to be in violation of this same requirement.

The 2N+1 Contribution Obligation

According to LPDP regulations, all recipients of LPDP scholarships are required to fulfill a 2N+1 contribution obligation upon completion of their studies. This means they must function and contribute to Indonesia for a period equivalent to twice the length of their scholarship-funded education, plus an additional year. The purpose of this obligation is to ensure that the benefits of the scholarship are returned to the country.

Potential Sanctions for Non-Compliance

LPDP has stated that if AP is found to have not fulfilled his contribution obligations, he will be required to reimburse the full amount of the scholarship funds he received. The institution emphasized its commitment to enforcing these rules fairly and consistently for all alumni, maintaining the integrity of the program.

AP’s Educational Background and Career

AP pursued a Master’s degree at Utrecht University in the Netherlands with LPDP funding, graduating in 2016. He subsequently received further LPDP funding for a doctoral degree at the same institution, completing his PhD in 2022. Following his doctoral studies, he held positions as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Exeter and, more recently, as a Senior Research Consultant at the University of Plymouth, beginning in January 2025.

LPDP’s Response and Investigation

LPDP has initiated a formal process to clarify the situation with AP. The agency is currently seeking clarification regarding the allegations of non-compliance and will proceed with appropriate action, potentially including the imposition of sanctions.

Stages of Sanctions for Alumni Who Do Not Return

LPDP outlines a multi-stage process for addressing non-compliance with the 2N+1 obligation:

• Stage 1: Existence Verification – LPDP verifies the alumnus’s location 90 days after graduation.
• Stage 2: Confirmation Letter – A letter is sent requiring a response within 14 calendar days.
• Stage 3: Reminder Letter (SP) – If no response is received, LPDP issues reminders (SP 1 and SP 2) with 30-day response deadlines.
• Stage 4: Request for Information & BAPK – Alumni who respond are interviewed, and the results are documented.
• Stage 5: Return Reporting – Alumni who return to Indonesia must submit documentation.
• Stage 6: Refund Sanctions – Violation of SP provisions leads to a decree requiring repayment of funds.
• Stage 7: Collection of State Receivables – Unpaid funds are pursued as state receivables by the Ministry of Finance.

If an awardee chooses not to return to Indonesia, they may be required to compensate the full cost of their scholarship.

Sources: Kompas.com, Detik.com