Controversy Over LPDP Scholarship Recipient's Remark: 'I'll Be the Only Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children'

Controversy erupted after a statement by a female recipient of a scholarship from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) declaring “I’ll be the only Indonesian citizen — not my children” went viral on social media. The remark drew widespread criticism and public debate, as it was deemed contrary to the spirit of nationalism, particularly given that LPDP scholarships are funded by state money.

The video was uploaded by a woman using the Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas. In the clip, she was seen opening a long-awaited parcel containing a letter from the United Kingdom Home Office.

The letter confirmed that her second child had officially become a British citizen. The woman also displayed a British passport that arrived together with the letter.

“This parcel isn’t just any parcel — it contains a very important document that changes the fate and future of my children. Let’s open it,” she said.

“This is a letter from the UK Home Office confirming that my second child has been accepted as a British citizen,” she continued.

She then stated that she would endeavour to secure foreign citizenship for her children.

“I know the world seems unfair, but I’ll be the only one who’s an Indonesian citizen — not my children. We’ll make sure the children have strong foreign passports,” she said.

LPDP Responds

In an Instagram story shared by the official @lpdp_ri account on Friday (20 February 2026), the LPDP expressed regret over the controversy. The agency said the woman, identified by the initials DS, had failed to reflect the values of integrity expected of scholarship recipients.

“LPDP regrets the social media controversy triggered by the actions of one of our alumni, DS. Her actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients,” the statement read.

The LPDP noted that DS’s husband, also an LPDP scholarship awardee, is suspected of not having completed his service obligation. The couple now reside in the United Kingdom.

“In accordance with regulations, all LPDP awardees and alumni are obligated to serve and contribute in Indonesia for a period of twice the length of their study plus one year,” the agency said.

“In the case of DS, who undertook two years of study, her contribution obligation amounts to five years,” it added.

The LPDP confirmed that DS no longer has any formal ties with the institution, having completed her studies in August 2017.

“DS completed her master’s degree and graduated on 31 August 2017, and has fulfilled her entire service obligation in accordance with regulations. As such, LPDP no longer has any legal ties with the individual concerned,” the agency said.

The LPDP stated it would nonetheless seek to communicate with DS regarding the controversy, urging her to exercise greater prudence on social media.

“Nevertheless, LPDP will continue to engage in communication with DS to advise her to be more judicious in her use of social media, to be mindful of public sensitivities, and to reaffirm that LPDP scholarship recipients bear a national obligation to serve their country,” the agency added.