LPDP Calculates Refund Amount for Scholarship Recipient Amid Social Media Controversy
Jakarta – The Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), Indonesia’s Education Fund Management Institution, is currently calculating the total amount of scholarship funds that must be returned by an alumnus identified only as AP, the husband of DS, following a public outcry over a social media post. The controversy centers around a post made by DS regarding the citizenship of her children.
Ongoing Calculation of Funds and Interest
According to LPDP Director Utama Sudarto, the calculation includes not only the principal amount of the scholarship but also any accrued interest. “If (money) is returned, it is still being counted. We have the data, we have the calculations,” Sudarto stated during a media briefing at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Kompas.com).
The period of AP’s studies spanned from 2015-2016, with a continuation from 2017-2021. LPDP is meticulously assessing the funds disbursed throughout this entire period (DetikNews).
Minister of Finance Weighs In
Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa previously announced that AP had agreed to return the full scholarship amount, including interest. “The LPDP boss has spoken with the husband concerned. And he seems to have agreed to return the money used from the LPDP. So that includes the interest, you know. If I set the LPDP money in the bank, there will be interest, right? with fair treatment,” Sadewa said on February 23, 2026 (DetikNews).
Sadewa also expressed regret over the alumnus’s social media post, which was perceived as disrespectful to the country. He emphasized that LPDP funds originate from public taxes and state debt allocated for human resource development (Kabar24.bisnis.com).
Further Action Considered
The Minister of Finance indicated that AP may be placed on a blacklist, preventing future employment within the government sector (Suara.com).
The controversy began with a post on DS’s Instagram account on February 20, 2026, showcasing her child’s British passport and a statement that sparked criticism for appearing to devalue Indonesian citizenship.
LPDP plans to announce the final refund amount, recognizing the public interest in this matter.