Fallout Continues from 'I'm Enough as Indonesian Citizen, Not My Children' Remark as LPDP Investigates Husband
The controversy surrounding LPDP (Indonesia Education Fund) alumna identified as DS, whose viral statement "I'm enough as an Indonesian citizen, not my children" sparked widespread debate, has now drawn in her husband.
Her husband, identified as AP, who is also an LPDP alumnus, is currently under investigation — though not in connection with his wife's viral remarks. AP is being examined by LPDP over allegations that he has not completed his mandatory contribution service after finishing his studies. Under LPDP regulations, all scholarship recipients and alumni are required to serve a contribution period in Indonesia equivalent to twice the duration of their studies plus one year.
"LPDP is currently conducting an internal review regarding these allegations. LPDP is summoning AP for clarification and will proceed with enforcement action and sanctions up to and including full repayment of scholarship funds if it is proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled," LPDP stated on its Instagram account on Saturday (21 February 2026).
Both AP and DS are known to be LPDP scholarship recipients. However, DS — whose viral remark "I'm enough as an Indonesian citizen, not my children" drew public ire — is reported to have already completed her contribution obligation after finishing her studies.
Her husband AP, on the other hand, is suspected of not having fulfilled this obligation. LPDP is currently conducting a deeper review of these allegations.
LPDP has stated it will take action against AP if he is proven not to have contributed in Indonesia. The specific measures have not yet been disclosed, though LPDP has indicated that sanctions could range up to full repayment of all scholarship funds.
LPDP affirmed that it would enforce its rules fairly and ensure the institution's integrity is maintained.
"LPDP is committed to enforcing rules fairly, consistently, and responsibly for all scholarship recipients and alumni, and to continuing to safeguard institutional integrity in delivering maximum benefit for Indonesia," it said.
**House Commission X Weighs In**
In response, the House of Representatives' Commission X has urged an evaluation of LPDP's oversight and contract enforcement mechanisms. It called on all LPDP scholarship recipients to comply with applicable regulations in Indonesia in accordance with their agreements.
"What is of concern is that her husband is an LPDP scholarship recipient who has not fulfilled his service obligation. LPDP falls under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia and is funded by public money," said Deputy Chairman of Commission X Lalu Hadrian to reporters on Saturday (21 February 2026).
"This means every scholarship recipient is bound by contract to return and contribute to Indonesia in accordance with the agreed terms," he added.
According to him, the controversy extends beyond the issue of the children's British passports. The more pressing matter, he said, is the responsibility owed to the public.
"The government therefore needs to use this controversy as material for evaluation. LPDP's oversight system and contract enforcement must operate firmly and fairly," he said.
The PKB (National Awakening Party) politician said the public needs to be assured that every scholarship recipient is treated equally, and that there are clear consequences for those who breach their commitments.
"In my view, the focus should not be on nationalist sentiment or choices about children's citizenship, but rather on the integrity and accountability of state education fund management. That is far more important to safeguard," he said.
**The Viral Statement**
The viral video was uploaded by a woman using the Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas. In the video, she was seen opening a long-awaited package containing a letter from the UK Home Office.
The letter confirmed that her second child had officially been granted British citizenship. She also displayed the British passport that accompanied the letter.
"This isn't just any package — 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 stating 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 it's enough that I'm the Indonesian citizen — not my children. We'll make sure the children have strong passports as foreign nationals," she said.
Her husband, identified as AP, who is also an LPDP alumnus, is currently under investigation — though not in connection with his wife's viral remarks. AP is being examined by LPDP over allegations that he has not completed his mandatory contribution service after finishing his studies. Under LPDP regulations, all scholarship recipients and alumni are required to serve a contribution period in Indonesia equivalent to twice the duration of their studies plus one year.
"LPDP is currently conducting an internal review regarding these allegations. LPDP is summoning AP for clarification and will proceed with enforcement action and sanctions up to and including full repayment of scholarship funds if it is proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled," LPDP stated on its Instagram account on Saturday (21 February 2026).
Both AP and DS are known to be LPDP scholarship recipients. However, DS — whose viral remark "I'm enough as an Indonesian citizen, not my children" drew public ire — is reported to have already completed her contribution obligation after finishing her studies.
Her husband AP, on the other hand, is suspected of not having fulfilled this obligation. LPDP is currently conducting a deeper review of these allegations.
LPDP has stated it will take action against AP if he is proven not to have contributed in Indonesia. The specific measures have not yet been disclosed, though LPDP has indicated that sanctions could range up to full repayment of all scholarship funds.
LPDP affirmed that it would enforce its rules fairly and ensure the institution's integrity is maintained.
"LPDP is committed to enforcing rules fairly, consistently, and responsibly for all scholarship recipients and alumni, and to continuing to safeguard institutional integrity in delivering maximum benefit for Indonesia," it said.
**House Commission X Weighs In**
In response, the House of Representatives' Commission X has urged an evaluation of LPDP's oversight and contract enforcement mechanisms. It called on all LPDP scholarship recipients to comply with applicable regulations in Indonesia in accordance with their agreements.
"What is of concern is that her husband is an LPDP scholarship recipient who has not fulfilled his service obligation. LPDP falls under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia and is funded by public money," said Deputy Chairman of Commission X Lalu Hadrian to reporters on Saturday (21 February 2026).
"This means every scholarship recipient is bound by contract to return and contribute to Indonesia in accordance with the agreed terms," he added.
According to him, the controversy extends beyond the issue of the children's British passports. The more pressing matter, he said, is the responsibility owed to the public.
"The government therefore needs to use this controversy as material for evaluation. LPDP's oversight system and contract enforcement must operate firmly and fairly," he said.
The PKB (National Awakening Party) politician said the public needs to be assured that every scholarship recipient is treated equally, and that there are clear consequences for those who breach their commitments.
"In my view, the focus should not be on nationalist sentiment or choices about children's citizenship, but rather on the integrity and accountability of state education fund management. That is far more important to safeguard," he said.
**The Viral Statement**
The viral video was uploaded by a woman using the Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas. In the video, she was seen opening a long-awaited package containing a letter from the UK Home Office.
The letter confirmed that her second child had officially been granted British citizenship. She also displayed the British passport that accompanied the letter.
"This isn't just any package — 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 stating 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 it's enough that I'm the Indonesian citizen — not my children. We'll make sure the children have strong passports as foreign nationals," she said.