LPDP Responds to Viral Controversy Over Scholarship Alumni Boasting About Children's Foreign Citizenship
Jakarta, VIVA – The controversy surrounding Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, known as Tyas, who went viral after making statements about her children's citizenship status, continues to unfold. Amid the public debate, the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP) has finally spoken up and issued an official clarification.
Tyas came under the spotlight after posting a statement on Instagram reading, "It is enough that I alone am an Indonesian citizen — not my children." It is understood that her children have since become foreign nationals in the United Kingdom. The statement triggered a fierce public backlash, with many viewing it as an affront to national identity.
The controversy widened further when it emerged that both Tyas and her husband are LPDP scholarship alumni. Numerous netizens questioned the couple's commitment to the nation, given that LPDP scholarships are funded by state money and carry mandatory service obligations for recipients.
In a written statement, LPDP expressed regret over the controversy caused by the social media post of one of its alumni.
"LPDP regrets the controversy on social media triggered by the actions of one of its alumni, Ms DS. Such actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients," read the official statement quoted on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
LPDP also reaffirmed the regulations governing the service obligations of awardees and alumni.
"In accordance with the prevailing provisions, all LPDP awardees and alumni are required to complete a period of service contributing to Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year. In the case of Ms DS, who undertook two years of study, the contribution obligation amounts to five years," the statement added.
In a further explanation, LPDP confirmed that Tyas had completed this obligation in full.
"Ms DS completed her Master's degree and was declared to have graduated on 31 August 2017, and has fulfilled the entire service period in accordance with the provisions. Accordingly, LPDP no longer has any legal ties with the individual concerned," the statement continued.
Nevertheless, LPDP indicated it would communicate with the individual concerned to encourage greater prudence in the use of social media and a better understanding of public sensitivities.
Meanwhile, regarding Tyas's husband, who has also attracted public attention, LPDP stated that an internal review is still under way. Should it be found that any contribution obligations remain unfulfilled, a process of clarification through to enforcement action will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.
Tyas came under the spotlight after posting a statement on Instagram reading, "It is enough that I alone am an Indonesian citizen — not my children." It is understood that her children have since become foreign nationals in the United Kingdom. The statement triggered a fierce public backlash, with many viewing it as an affront to national identity.
The controversy widened further when it emerged that both Tyas and her husband are LPDP scholarship alumni. Numerous netizens questioned the couple's commitment to the nation, given that LPDP scholarships are funded by state money and carry mandatory service obligations for recipients.
In a written statement, LPDP expressed regret over the controversy caused by the social media post of one of its alumni.
"LPDP regrets the controversy on social media triggered by the actions of one of its alumni, Ms DS. Such actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients," read the official statement quoted on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
LPDP also reaffirmed the regulations governing the service obligations of awardees and alumni.
"In accordance with the prevailing provisions, all LPDP awardees and alumni are required to complete a period of service contributing to Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year. In the case of Ms DS, who undertook two years of study, the contribution obligation amounts to five years," the statement added.
In a further explanation, LPDP confirmed that Tyas had completed this obligation in full.
"Ms DS completed her Master's degree and was declared to have graduated on 31 August 2017, and has fulfilled the entire service period in accordance with the provisions. Accordingly, LPDP no longer has any legal ties with the individual concerned," the statement continued.
Nevertheless, LPDP indicated it would communicate with the individual concerned to encourage greater prudence in the use of social media and a better understanding of public sensitivities.
Meanwhile, regarding Tyas's husband, who has also attracted public attention, LPDP stated that an internal review is still under way. Should it be found that any contribution obligations remain unfulfilled, a process of clarification through to enforcement action will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.