LPDP Scholarship Controversy: Former Higher Education Official Speaks on Gratitude for Studying Abroad

A female recipient of a scholarship from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), identified by the initials DS, sparked controversy after flaunting her child’s acquisition of British citizenship and declaring “it’s enough that I’m Indonesian — my child shouldn’t have to be.” Former Acting Director General of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Prof. Nizam, has spoken about the importance of gratitude for Indonesian citizens who have the opportunity to study abroad.

Nizam began by referencing a study conducted in the United States examining foreign students studying in the country. The research covered all nationalities studying in America, with the aim of determining what percentage of students did not return to their home countries.

“The study also examined the GDP gap between the students’ home countries and the US, as it was suspected that students who did not return were motivated by economic opportunities and were fleeing poverty in their home countries,” Prof. Nizam told reporters on Sunday (22/2/2026).

“The research found that Indonesian citizens had the highest rate of returning to their home country, even though the GDP per capita gap between Indonesia and the US is wider than that of countries whose citizens more often chose not to return,” he added.

Beyond showing that Indonesians had the highest return rate, the study also revealed that Indonesian citizens demonstrated the strongest sense of patriotism compared to nationals of other countries.

“The research shows that Indonesians’ love for their homeland is very high — arguably the highest compared to citizens of other nations,” he said.

Prof. Nizam said this should be a source of gratitude — that Indonesian citizens can pursue education abroad and then return home to contribute to national development. He cited China as an example, which implemented brain circulation policies and subsequently became a rapidly advancing nation.

“This is something we should be grateful for. Even if a student gains some experience abroad after completing their studies, in my view that is perfectly fine.

“Because experience in industry overseas is of tremendous benefit to national development when they eventually return. This is what is often called brain circulation, and it is one of the keys to China’s success in leaping ahead to become a leading nation in science, technology and industry,” he added.

DS, the female LPDP scholarship recipient who boasted about her child officially becoming a British citizen, drew widespread controversy after stating “it’s enough that I’m Indonesian — my child shouldn’t have to be.” LPDP has since issued a public response to the matter.

In an Instagram story shared via the @lpdp_ri account on Friday (20/2), LPDP expressed regret over the controversy. The woman, identified as DS, was deemed to have failed to uphold the values of integrity.

“LPDP regrets the social media controversy 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.