Purbaya Says LPDP Alumna Who Insulted Indonesia Has Agreed to Return Scholarship Funds and Interest

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that his ministry has demanded the husband of an LPDP (Education Fund Management Institution) scholarship alumna — who went viral for insulting Indonesia — return all scholarship funds along with accrued interest used during their studies. The husband, also an LPDP awardee, has agreed to repay the full amount after LPDP officials communicated with the family.

“The head of LPDP has spoken with the husband concerned, and he appears to have agreed to return the money used from LPDP, including interest,” Purbaya said at the APBN KITA press conference at the Ministry of Finance in Jakarta on Monday, 23 February 2026.

In light of the incident, Purbaya urged all LPDP scholarship recipients to maintain proper conduct and ethics, noting that LPDP funds originate from public taxes and state financing aimed at developing Indonesia’s human resources.

“If you’re unhappy, then don’t insult the country — don’t do that. That scholarship money comes from taxes, and we set aside a portion from borrowing to ensure our human resources can grow,” he said.

Purbaya further announced that both the husband and wife would be placed on a blacklist, permanently barring them from any employment with the Indonesian government.

“This means they can no longer work with the government here — for as long as I am here, or permanently blacklisted, both of them,” Purbaya said.

The minister confirmed that LPDP had already contacted the husband, ensuring he would return all scholarship costs plus interest. As for the total amount, Purbaya said LPDP was still calculating the final figure.

“We will enforce the existing LPDP regulations, so that the individual concerned fulfils their obligations to LPDP,” he said.