LPDP Alumni Controversy: Deputy Minister Stella and Parliamentarians Respond to Viral Citizenship Remarks

The Indonesian public has been rocked by a viral video of a woman with the initials DS, an alumni of the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), who stated “it’s enough that I’m an Indonesian citizen, my children shouldn’t be” on social media. The statement has generated widespread controversy, prompting responses from several prominent figures, including the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek) and members of parliament.

In the video, DS was seen opening a long-awaited package containing a letter from the UK Home Office. The letter confirmed that the second child of account holder @sasetyaningtyas had officially become a British citizen. The woman also displayed a British passport that arrived alongside the letter.

“This package is no ordinary package. It contains an extremely important document that will change 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 — my children shouldn’t be. We’ll make sure the children get strong foreign passports,” she said.

LPDP Summons Alumni’s Husband

LPDP has summoned AP, the husband of DS, who is also an LPDP alumni. AP was called in connection with allegations of failing to complete his post-study contribution obligations.

“LPDP is currently summoning AP to request clarification and to undertake enforcement proceedings and sanctions up to and including full repayment of scholarship funds,” LPDP stated on Sunday (22 February 2026).

“Should it be proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled,” the statement added.

Under LPDP regulations, all awardees and alumni are required to complete a period of service contribution in Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year. As for DS specifically, who made the “it’s enough that I’m Indonesian, my children shouldn’t be” remark, she completed her master’s degree and graduated on 31 August 2017.

DS has already fulfilled her entire service obligation as required. Her husband AP, however, is alleged to have not yet completed his contribution service.

Deputy Minister Stella Christie Speaks Out

Deputy Minister Stella Christie addressed the controversy surrounding the viral LPDP alumni’s statement. Stella spoke about how every state scholarship represents a debt of gratitude.

“I was once criticised by netizens when I advised undergraduate overseas scholarship recipients from the Ministry that scholarships are a debt. But the reality is precisely that: every state scholarship is a debt of gratitude,” said Stella when contacted on Sunday (22 February 2026).

Stella said the recent controversy reflects a moral failure at an early stage. Nevertheless, she noted that tightening the scholarship system through layer upon layer of restrictions would not necessarily resolve the issue.

“The controversy that has recently emerged fundamentally reflects a failure of moral education at an early stage of life. Scholarships are not understood as a trust, but merely as a facility. Therein lies the problem,” Stella explained.

“Excessive restrictions actually risk fostering cynicism: scholarship recipients become less grateful to the state and become preoccupied with finding loopholes to avoid their obligations. What is needed more is trust — giving scholarship recipients the space to find their own way of benefiting the nation,” she added.

Deputy Minister Stella said that nearly all well-known Indonesian diaspora scholars demonstrate a strong dedication to contributing to the nation and creating opportunities for their compatriots. According to her, gratitude to the state can take many forms.

“These positive examples need to be highlighted — Prof. Vivi Kashim in China, Prof. Sastia Putri in Japan, Prof. Haryadi in the United States, and many more. Let us be open to the fact that giving back to the country takes many forms,” she said.

Stella then offered several tips for state scholarship recipients to cultivate a sense of patriotism. One suggestion, she said, was to focus on being of benefit to individuals in Indonesia.

“First, for state scholarship recipients, focus on how you can be of benefit to individuals in Indonesia, more than to abstract institutions. Focusing on individuals will sharpen your thinking. Second, for parents, whether living in Indonesia or abroad, use the Indonesian language at home and instil pride in the Indonesian language in your children,” said Stella.

She also emphasised that using the Indonesian language can enhance patriotism. Stella said that even in her own multicultural family, language practice is maintained, including with her husband who is from Poland.

“The ability to speak Indonesian is never a burden — it can even be a powerful asset! In my family, it is not only my child who is required to speak Indonesian, but my husband from Poland is also required to speak the language,” she said.

Parliamentarian Responds

Member of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, Melchias Markus Mekeng, responded to the viral LPDP alumni DS’s statement. Mekeng described DS’s remarks as unethical.

“I feel sympathy for LPDP recipients. Receiving a scholarship is a stroke of fortune, and the money comes from the state. The state’s funds come from the people — from all of Indonesia, from Papua to Aceh, all flowing into the state budget which funds the LPDP programme. So there should be some sense of gratitude,” said Mekeng when contacted on Sunday (22 February 2026).

Mekeng acknowledged that it is every person’s right to determine their chosen citizenship. Nevertheless, Mekeng considered DS’s statement to be a poor reflection of values.