LPDP to Question Husband of Scholarship Alumna Behind 'Only I Should Be Indonesian, Not My Children' Controversy
An LPDP (Education Fund Management Agency) scholarship alumna identified by the initials DS has drawn public condemnation following her controversial statement: “Only I should be an Indonesian citizen, not my children.” Her husband, identified as AP, is now under investigation for failing to fulfil his post-study contribution obligations.
LPDP Legal and Communications Division Head Mohammad Lukmanul Hakim said the agency would summon AP for questioning today.
“In the case of DS’s husband, LPDP is currently in the process of seeking information regarding his contribution and service obligations in Indonesia following his studies,” Lukmanul told reporters on Monday (23/2).
“Communication with the individual in question will take place today, conducted online,” he added.
Under LPDP regulations, all scholarship awardees and alumni are required to serve a contribution period in Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year. As for DS, who made the “only I should be Indonesian, not my children” remark, she completed her master’s degree and graduated on 31 August 2017.
DS’s Viral Remarks
The controversy began when DS, through her Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas, uploaded a video of herself opening a long-awaited parcel containing a letter from the United Kingdom Home Office.
The letter confirmed that her second child had officially been granted British citizenship. She also displayed the British passport that accompanied the letter.
“This parcel is no ordinary parcel — it contains a very important document that will change 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 declared her intention to secure foreign citizenship for her children. “I know the world seems unfair, but only I should be an Indonesian citizen — not my children. We will ensure the children have strong foreign passports,” she said.
DS Issues Apology
Following the public backlash, DS issued a public apology via her Instagram account.
The account holder posted a clarification and apology on Friday (20/2), stating that her remarks were driven by disappointment. However, she acknowledged that her actions were misguided and inappropriate.
“I fully recognise that my words were inappropriate and could be interpreted as belittling Indonesian citizenship. For that, I acknowledge my error in my choice of words and in expressing them publicly,” she said.
“Regardless of the emotions behind them, the impact of my statement remains entirely my responsibility. Through this statement, I wish to convey my sincere apology to those who were hurt and for the commotion that ensued,” she added.