Higher Education Minister Addresses LPDP Alumni Controversy, Says Scholarship Programme Remains Beneficial

Remarks by LPDP (Education Fund Management Agency) scholarship alumna DS, who appeared to seek attention after her child obtained a foreign passport, have culminated in her husband AP — also an LPDP awardee — agreeing to return his scholarship funds. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto said the entire process has been conducted objectively.

Brian initially explained that LPDP represents a long-term investment for Indonesia. He said every alleged violation by LPDP scholarship recipients would be handled seriously.

“Every alleged violation must be handled transparently and accountably. The Director of the Education Fund Management Agency has communicated with the individual concerned, and the entire process will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations. We respect the process and ensure everything proceeds objectively and professionally,” Brian said in a written statement on Tuesday (24/2/2026).

Brian said his ministry had undertaken several measures to strengthen LPDP scholarship governance since the end of last year. These include coordinating with other ministries and agencies on fields of study aligned with industry needs and Indonesia’s strategic priorities.

“Additionally, we continue to strengthen the selection process and alumni monitoring to ensure this state investment truly delivers impact,” he said.

He stated that state scholarships constitute a public trust. As such, the funds — which come from the people — are intended to produce outstanding talent who, upon returning to Indonesia, can contribute through their enhanced knowledge and expertise.

“We also need to look at the full picture. A great many LPDP alumni are making tangible contributions today, whether at universities, in government, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, or various other strategic fields. They are proof that this scheme works and delivers enormous benefits for the nation,” he said.

Previously, Instagram account holder @sasetyaningtyas uploaded a video of herself opening a long-awaited package containing a letter from the UK Home Office.

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

“This package is no ordinary 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 confirming that my second child has been accepted as a British citizen,” she continued.

She then stated that she would endeavour for her children to hold foreign citizenship, saying: “I know the world seems unfair, but let it just be me who’s Indonesian. Not my children — we’ll make sure the children have strong foreign passports.”

The LPDP recipient with the initials DS subsequently apologised. The public apology was conveyed through her Instagram account. The account holder posted a clarification and apology on Friday (20/2), stating that her remarks were motivated by disappointment. However, she acknowledged that her actions were misguided and inappropriate.

“I fully recognise that my words were inappropriate and could be interpreted as demeaning Indonesian citizenship. For this, I acknowledge my error in choice of words and in expressing them publicly,” she said.

Most recently, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that DS’s husband AP, also an LPDP awardee, would return all scholarship funds including interest. This followed the viral video by DS, an LPDP alumna and AP’s wife, in which she said “let it just be me who’s Indonesian, not my children.”

Purbaya said he deeply regretted the actions of the alumna identified as DS. He noted that LPDP had been in communication with the alumna’s family.

“The LPDP chief has spoken with the husband concerned, and he has apparently agreed to return the funds used by LPDP, including interest,” Purbaya said at the APBN KiTA press conference at his office in Central Jakarta on Monday (23/2).