LPDP Summons Alumni Following Viral Post About Child’s Citizenship

Jakarta – The Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) has summoned an alumnus, identified as AP, following a viral social media post by his wife, DS, expressing pride in her child obtaining British citizenship. The LPDP is investigating whether AP has fulfilled his obligation to contribute to Indonesia after completing his studies, funded by the LPDP scholarship.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began when DS shared a video on Instagram Reels celebrating her child’s acquisition of a British passport. Her statement, interpreted by some as prioritizing foreign citizenship over Indonesian, sparked public debate. LPDP responded by expressing regret over DS’s statement, which they deemed inconsistent with the values instilled in LPDP scholarship recipients.

AP’s Scholarship and Contribution Obligation

AP, like his wife DS, is an LPDP scholarship recipient. He received funding for both his Master’s and Doctoral studies at Utrecht University, as acknowledged in his PhD dissertation, titled ‘Morphodynamics of channel networks in tide-influenced deltas,’ published in 2022. According to LPDP regulations, awardees are required to contribute service to Indonesia for a period equal to twice the duration of their studies plus one year.

While DS has completed her service obligation after finishing her Master’s degree in 2017, LPDP has indicated that AP has not yet fulfilled his contribution requirements. The institution is currently conducting an internal review to determine the extent of any violations.

LPDP’s Response and Potential Sanctions

LPDP stated on its official social media account that it is calling AP for clarification and will consider imposing sanctions, potentially including the return of all scholarship funds, if it is proven that he has not met his obligations to contribute to Indonesia. The institution emphasized its commitment to enforcing rules fairly and maintaining the integrity of the scholarship program. detik.com

Ongoing Investigation

LPDP is continuing its internal investigation into the matter, and further updates are expected as the process unfolds. Kompas.com reports that LPDP will be questioning AP regarding the allegations.

LPDP Awardee Obligations

LPDP has reiterated that all awardees and alumni are obligated to contribute to Indonesia after completing their studies. This obligation is a key component of the scholarship agreement and is intended to ensure that the benefits of the program are returned to the nation. tirto.id