LPDP Issues Ultimatum to Scholarship Recipients to Uphold Ethics: 'You Are Using Taxpayer Money!'

LPDP Issues Ultimatum to Scholarship Recipients to Uphold Ethics: ‘You Are Using Taxpayer Money!’

• Mohammad Yudha Prasetya

VIVA – The Director General of the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), Sudarto, has affirmed that all LPDP alumni and scholarship recipients must uphold ethics, morals, and national values in their capacity as recipients of the scholarship program.

This statement comes in response to the viral controversy surrounding an LPDP alumnus, identified only as DS, who was found to have denigrated Indonesia while flaunting the fact that his second child had officially become a British citizen.

Sudarto reminded all alumni and recipients of the LPDP scholarship that they must always remember that the funds they receive through the scholarship program are public funds.

“Going forward, all LPDP alumni must uphold ethical and moral standards and national values,” said Sudarto during a press conference at the Ministry of Finance, Jakarta, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

“Because there is now a saying, ‘Don’t forget, you (LPDP scholarship recipients) are using taxpayer money. Remember that. You are using taxpayer money,’” he added.

Despite this incident, Sudarto expressed confidence that there are still many responsible LPDP alumni and scholarship recipients who are dedicated to serving the nation. He cited examples such as those who work as teachers or lecturers in remote areas, civil servants, or in other professions that contribute to Indonesia’s reputation and pride on the international stage.

“I believe that all LPDP alumni are currently working very hard to serve the nation with full dedication, especially those who are in various parts of the country or in various types of jobs,” said Sudarto.

In light of the incident involving the LPDP alumnus with the initials DS, which has gone viral and sparked controversy in recent times, Sudarto also conveyed an apology.

He expressed regret that such an incident could occur and become a public discussion, as he believes it could have been avoided.

“From this experience, I would like to say that on behalf of LPDP and all alumni, we would like to apologize,” said Sudarto.

“We regret that something like this has happened, leading to a discussion among us that could have been avoided,” he added.