LPDP Scholarship Funds, Sourced from Public Taxes, Should Be Granted to Needy Indonesian Citizens
The elimination of outstanding dues needs to be realised first while considering the economic conditions.
The elimination of outstanding dues needs to be realised first while considering the economic conditions.
The LPDP scholarship program is a public fund sourced from Indonesian taxpayers and managed as an endowment fund for education to finance the next generation. Therefore, it should be given to Indonesian children who need to pursue education abroad. This was stated by economist and public policy researcher Billy Mambrasar, who is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua and a researcher at the ASEAN and Competitiveness Study Centre of the Batam State Polytechnic.
Billy said he took this step in 2025, officially submitting his resignation from the LPDP scholarship program and ceasing to receive funding since 2024. This decision was made consciously so that he could remain in Indonesia and commit to building the nation. He also hopes that the scholarship allocation that was previously his can be redirected to other Indonesian children who are deemed to need to pursue education abroad.
Billy explained that this decision came from a long reflection on his life journey as a Papuan child who grew up in economic limitations. From a young age, he helped his mother sell in the market, an experience that shaped his belief that education is the main way to change one’s fate.
“Education has changed my life and my family’s life. Therefore, I want the same opportunity to be enjoyed by other children of the nation who are pursuing their dreams,” said Billy, Wednesday (25/2/2026).
Billy ensures that he will continue his doctoral studies in economics at the University of Buckingham with self-funding without burdening the state budget. He also reaffirms his commitment to staying in Indonesia and contributing through various roles, both in government, social, and academic fields.
This contribution includes through the Kitong Bisa Foundation, which provides scholarships to more than 6,000 Papuan children, environmental initiatives through Containder.id, service in the government sector, and economic research activities.
Billy also appreciates the Indonesian people for the opportunity he received through LPDP. “I promise to continue working for this country. Even though as a Papuan, I have many reasons to possibly be disappointed, but I still choose to love Indonesia,” he said.
He then concluded his statement by recalling his oath as an alumnus of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) to serve God, the nation, and his alma mater with integrity. (H-2)
Why does the LPDP polemic trigger public anger? See the latest facts about 44 alumni who violated the agreement, the sanctions for returning funds, and sharp criticism from the Minister of Finance.
MEMBER of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Andi Muawiyah Ramly, said that the violations committed by LPDP scholarship recipients are a serious alarm for the government to make improvements. The awarding of LPDP scholarships should be done through stricter selection, given the increasing number of cases of awardees or LPDP scholarship recipients who commit violations. Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara said that LPDP awardees must respect Indonesia and the Indonesian people. See the complete chronology of the case of Dwi Sasetyaningtyas, an LPDP alumnus who went viral because of the “Enough, I’m an Indonesian Citizen” content, which ended in a permanent blacklist sanction. Copyright @ 2026 Media Group - mediaindonesia. All Rights Reserved