The Full Story Behind LPDP Alumna DS Condemned for Saying 'Let Me Be the Only Indonesian Citizen'

An alumna and recipient of a scholarship from the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) with the initials DS made a controversial statement that drew widespread condemnation. DS’s remark — “let me be the only Indonesian citizen, not my children” — sent shockwaves across social media.

As compiled on Monday (23/2/2026), DS, a woman operating the Instagram account @sasetyaningtyas, uploaded a video containing the statement that subsequently went viral. In the video, she was seen opening a long-awaited parcel containing a letter from the United Kingdom’s Home Office.

The letter confirmed that her second child had officially been granted British citizenship. The woman also displayed a British passport that arrived with 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 stated that she would endeavour to secure foreign citizenship for her children.

“I know the world seems unfair, but let me be the only one with Indonesian citizenship — not my children. We’ll make sure the children have strong foreign passports,” she said.

LPDP’s Response

In an Instagram story shared by the @lpdp_ri account on Friday (20/2), LPDP expressed regret over the controversy. The institution stated that DS’s actions did not reflect the values of integrity it upholds.

“LPDP regrets the social media controversy triggered by the actions of one alumna, DS. Her actions do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instils in all scholarship recipients,” the statement read.

LPDP noted that DS’s husband, who is also an LPDP awardee, is suspected of not having completed his service obligation. The couple currently resides in the United Kingdom.

“In accordance with regulations, all LPDP awardees and alumni are obligated to undertake a service period contributing to Indonesia lasting twice the duration of their studies plus one year,” the statement said.

“In the case of DS, who undertook two years of study, the contribution obligation amounts to five years,” it added.

LPDP confirmed that DS is no longer formally affiliated with the institution, having completed her studies in August 2017.

“DS completed her master’s degree and was declared a graduate on 31 August 2017, and has fulfilled the entirety of her service period in accordance with regulations. Accordingly, LPDP no longer has any legal obligations with the individual concerned,” the statement said.

LPDP indicated it would communicate with DS regarding the controversy and urged her to exercise greater prudence on social media.

“Nevertheless, LPDP will continue to communicate with DS to advise her to be more judicious in her use of social media, to be mindful of public sensitivities, and to reinforce that LPDP scholarship recipients have a national obligation to serve their country,” it added.

LPDP Summons DS’s Husband

Furthermore, LPDP is investigating allegations that DS’s husband, identified by the initials AP, has not fulfilled his contribution obligations after completing his studies. LPDP has summoned AP, who still holds the status of an active scholarship recipient.

“LPDP is currently conducting an internal review regarding these allegations. LPDP is summoning AP to request clarification and will proceed with enforcement action and sanctions, up to and including the full repayment of all scholarship funds, should it be proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled,” LPDP stated.

“LPDP is committed to enforcing its rules fairly, consistently, and responsibly for all awardees and alumni, and to continuously upholding institutional integrity in delivering the greatest possible benefit for Indonesia,” it said.

Under LPDP regulations, all awardees and alumni are required to serve a contribution period in Indonesia equivalent to twice their study duration plus one year. In DS’s specific case, having declared “let me be the only Indonesian citizen, not my children,” she had already completed her master’s degree and graduated on 31 August 2017.

LPDP Recipient Apologises After Going Viral

DS subsequently issued an apology after her statement “let me be the only Indonesian citizen, not my children” became a matter of public controversy. The open apology was conveyed through her Instagram account.

The owner of the @sasetyaningtyas account uploaded a clarification and apology on Friday (20/2). She stated that her remarks were motivated by feelings of disappointment. However, she acknowledged that her actions were misguided and inappropriate.

“I fully recognise that the statement was inappropriate and could be interpreted as demeaning Indonesian citizenship. To that end, I acknowledge my error in my choice of words and in sharing them publicly,” she said.

“Whatever emotional backdrop may have been behind it, the impact of that statement remains entirely my responsibility. Through this statement, I wish to convey my apology to those who were hurt and for the commotion that has ensued,” she continued.

She issued the following full apology:

“In connection with my previous post containing the statement ‘let me be the only Indonesian citizen, not my children,’ I hereby convey an open apology to all members of the public who felt hurt, offended, or uncomfortable as a result of that statement.

“The statement arose entirely from my personal feelings of disappointment, exhaustion, and frustration as an Indonesian citizen regarding various conditions I have experienced.

“However, I recognise that such disappointment should not have been expressed in a manner that has the potential to hurt the feelings of many people, particularly as it pertains to the national identity we collectively uphold.

“I fully recognise that the statement was inappropriate and could be interpreted as demeaning Indonesian citizenship.

“To that end, I acknowledge my error in my choice of words and in sharing them publicly.

“Whatever emotional backdrop may have been behind it, the impact of that statement remains entirely my responsibility.”