Indonesian LPDP Scholarship Recipient Apologizes for Comments on Children’s Citizenship

Jakarta – Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, an alumna of Indonesia’s state scholarship program, the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), publicly apologized for controversial statements made on social media regarding her children’s citizenship. The apology came after a post expressing her preference for her children to not be Indonesian citizens sparked widespread criticism.

Background

Sasetyaningtyas, who uses the social media handle @sasetyaningtyas, issued a statement and apology after her comment, “it’s enough for me to be an Indonesian citizen, not my children,” became a focal point of online debate. She initially shared a video celebrating her children receiving British passports.

The Apology

In her apology, Sasetyaningtyas expressed regret to anyone who felt hurt, offended, or uncomfortable with her statement. She explained that the comment stemmed from disappointment, fatigue, and personal frustration with various conditions experienced as an Indonesian citizen. However, she acknowledged that the way she expressed these feelings was inappropriate and could be interpreted as demeaning to Indonesian national identity.

“I am fully aware that this sentence is inappropriate and can be interpreted as a form of denigration of my identity as an Indonesian citizen,” she wrote in her statement. She also emphasized taking responsibility for the impact of her words, regardless of her emotional state at the time.

LPDP Response

The LPDP also released a statement expressing disappointment with Sasetyaningtyas’s remarks. According to detikNews, the LPDP stated that her actions did not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism instilled in LPDP scholarship recipients.

The LPDP clarified that Sasetyaningtyas had completed her studies in August 2017 and fulfilled her obligation to contribute to Indonesia as required by the scholarship terms. The LPDP no longer has a legal obligation with her.

Sasetyaningtyas’s Background

Dwi Sasetyaningtyas is an alumna of the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. She later pursued a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands with the support of the LPDP scholarship. She fulfilled a six-year contribution obligation to Indonesia following her studies (Medcom.id).

Continued Commitment to Indonesia

Despite the controversy, Sasetyaningtyas reaffirmed her love for Indonesia and her desire to continue contributing to the country. She expressed hope for reconciliation and understanding during the month of Ramadan.