Indonesia’s state-funded scholarship agency, the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), has launched an internal investigation following a viral video featuring an alumna expressing a preference for her children to hold foreign citizenship rather than Indonesian. The controversy centers on a statement made by the alumna, identified only by her initials DS, that “enough that I am an Indonesian citizen, not my children.”
The LPDP, which provides scholarships for Indonesian students to study abroad with the expectation of contributing to national development upon their return, has summoned DS’s husband, AP, who is similarly a scholarship recipient, for questioning. “LPDP is currently conducting an internal investigation regarding the allegations,” the agency stated on its official Instagram account on Saturday, February 21, 2026. “LPDP is summoning Brother AP to request clarification, and will carry out a process of action and imposition of sanctions, including the return of all scholarship funds if it is proven that the obligation to contribute to Indonesia has not been fulfilled.”
According to the LPDP, AP’s scholarship status is currently active, but he is suspected of not having completed his contribution obligations following the completion of his studies. The agency emphasized its commitment to enforcing regulations “fairly, consistently, and responsibly to all awardees and alumni, and to continuously maintain the integrity of the institution in providing the greatest benefit to Indonesia.”
LPDP regulations stipulate that all scholarship recipients and alumni are required to fulfill a contribution period in Indonesia equivalent to twice the duration of their studies plus one year. DS, who completed her Master’s degree in August 2017, has already fulfilled her obligations, and the LPDP stated it “no longer has a legal obligation with the person concerned.”
The viral video, originally uploaded to Instagram by user @sasetyaningtyas, shows the recipient opening a package containing a letter from the UK Home Office confirming her second child’s British citizenship, along with the child’s British passport. She then stated her intention to secure foreign citizenship for all her children, saying, “I know the world seems unfair but enough that I am an Indonesian citizen, my children don’t require to be, we will attempt to receive the children with strong foreign passports.”
The case has sparked public debate in Indonesia regarding national identity, the obligations of scholarship recipients, and the pursuit of foreign citizenship. The LPDP’s investigation into AP’s compliance with contribution requirements is ongoing.
