LPDP Opens Dialogue with Scholarship Recipient over Viral 'I'm Indonesian Enough, Not My Children' Remark

The Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) has expressed regret over a scholarship recipient with the initials DS who went viral after stating “it’s enough that I’m Indonesian, my children shouldn’t be.” LPDP said it would communicate with DS to urge greater prudence.

“LPDP will continue to make efforts to communicate with DS to urge her to exercise greater wisdom in using social media, to be mindful of public sensitivities, and to remind her that LPDP scholarship recipients have a national obligation to serve their country,” LPDP said in a social media post, as seen on Saturday (21/2/2026).

LPDP assessed that DS’s actions did not reflect the value of integrity, expressing regret over her viral remarks.

“LPDP regrets the social media controversy triggered by the actions of one alumna, DS. These actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients,” it explained.

LPDP stated that all scholarship recipients and alumni are required to fulfil a period of service. LPDP confirmed that DS had fulfilled this obligation.

“In accordance with regulations, all LPDP awardees and alumni are required to complete a service period contributing to Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year. In the case of DS, who studied for two years, the contribution obligation is five years,” LPDP explained.

LPDP added that DS had completed her master’s degree in August 2017 and no longer had a legal bond with the institution.

“She has completed her entire service period in accordance with regulations. Consequently, LPDP no longer has a legal bond with the individual concerned,” it said.

DS Has Apologised

DS has conveyed an apology after her statement “it’s enough that I’m Indonesian, my children shouldn’t be” sparked controversy. The public apology was delivered through her Instagram account.

The owner of the account @sasetyaningtyas posted a clarification and apology on Friday (20/2). She said the statement was prompted by a sense of disappointment. However, she acknowledged that the step she took was misguided and inappropriate.

“I fully realise that the statement was inappropriate and could be interpreted as a form of denigration of one’s identity as an Indonesian citizen. For this reason, I acknowledge my error in the choice of words and in expressing them in a public space,” she said.

“Whatever the emotional background behind it, the impact of that statement remains entirely my responsibility. Through this statement, I wish to convey my apologies to those who felt hurt and for the commotion that has occurred,” she continued.