LPDP Responds to Alumni Controversy Over Child’s Citizenship
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), Indonesia’s state scholarship fund, has responded to a social media controversy involving an alumna who publicly celebrated her child obtaining British citizenship. The incident sparked public debate regarding the obligations of LPDP scholarship recipients to contribute to Indonesia after completing their studies abroad.
LPDP’s Statement and Values
In a statement released on February 20, 2026, LPDP expressed regret over the actions of the alumna, identified as Dwi Sasetyaningtyas (DS). The institution stated that her actions did not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism instilled in all LPDP scholarship recipients. inews.id
Scholarship Obligations and Service Requirements
LPDP emphasized that all awardees and alumni are obligated to contribute to Indonesia for a period equivalent to the duration of their studies plus one year. In DS’s case, having completed a two-year master’s program, the obligation was five years of service. detik.com
LPDP confirmed that DS had completed her studies on August 31, 2017, and fulfilled her service obligations, meaning the institution no longer has a legal tie to her. However, LPDP intends to communicate with DS to encourage more responsible social media usage and remind her of the national obligation inherent in receiving the scholarship.
Investigation into Husband’s Compliance
The controversy also brought attention to DS’s husband, AP, who is also an LPDP alumnus. LPDP is currently investigating allegations that he has not fulfilled his service obligations after completing his studies. The institution stated it will summon AP for clarification and may impose sanctions, including the return of all scholarship funds, if non-compliance is proven. detik.com
DPR’s Response and Oversight Concerns
The incident has prompted scrutiny from the Indonesian Parliament’s Commission X, which oversees education and culture. Lalu Hadrian Irfani, Deputy Chairman of Commission X, called for ensuring the integrity and accountability of the management of state education funds, including the LPDP program. detik.com
Commission X previously rejected proposals to halt funding for LPDP in January 2024, instead advocating for increased scholarship quotas to improve access to higher education for Indonesian youth. CNN Indonesia
Future Measures
LPDP has committed to enforcing rules fairly and consistently for all awardees and alumni, maintaining the institution’s integrity and maximizing benefits for Indonesia. The institution will apply this incident as a learning opportunity to strengthen oversight and contract enforcement.