LPDP Responds to Scholarship Recipient's Controversial Remark: 'It's Enough That I'm Indonesian, Not My Children'

A video posted by a female recipient of a scholarship from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) showing off her child’s official British citizenship went viral and sparked controversy after she declared, “It’s enough that I’m Indonesian — not my children.” LPDP has now issued a public response.

In an Instagram story shared by the official @lpdp_ri account on Friday (20 February 2026), LPDP expressed regret over the polemic. The woman, identified by her initials DS, was deemed not to reflect the value of integrity expected of scholarship recipients.

“LPDP regrets the social media polemic triggered by the actions of one of its alumni, DS. Her actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients,” the statement read.

In her viral post, DS uploaded a video showing documents confirming her child had officially become a British citizen and received a British passport.

Meanwhile, her husband, also an LPDP scholarship recipient, is alleged not to have completed his service obligation. The couple now reside in the United Kingdom.

“In accordance with the regulations, all LPDP awardees and alumni are obligated to undertake a period of service contributing to Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year,” the statement said.

“In the case of DS, who undertook two years of study, the contribution obligation is five years,” it added.

LPDP confirmed that DS is no longer affiliated with the institution, having completed her studies in August 2017.

“DS completed her master’s degree and graduated on 31 August 2017, and has fulfilled her entire service period in accordance with the regulations. As such, LPDP no longer has any legal binding with the individual concerned,” the statement said.

“Nevertheless, LPDP will endeavour to communicate with DS to urge her to exercise greater wisdom in her use of social media, to be mindful of public sensitivities, and to remind her that LPDP scholarship recipients bear a national obligation to serve their country,” it added.

The viral video was uploaded by a woman with the Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas. In the video, she is seen 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. She also displayed the British passport that arrived with the letter.

“This package 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 confirming that my second child has been accepted as a British citizen,” she continued.

She then stated that she would ensure her children held foreign citizenship.

“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 foreign passports,” she said.