LPDP Responds to the Polemic "Children Should Not Be WNI": DS's Husband Has Not Fulfilled His Obligations as an Alumni

JAKARTA - The Education Fund Management Institution (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan/LPDP) ensures that it will call AP, the husband of Dwi Sasetyaningtyas (DS), who has been in the public spotlight after his statement on social media went viral with the sentence, "enough for me to be a citizen of Indonesia, children don't". AP is known to be an alumnus of LPDP and will be asked for clarification regarding the alleged failure to complete the contribution obligation after completing his studies.

LPDP said that it was conducting an internal investigation into the allegations. "Regarding the husband of sister DS, brother AP, who is also a public concern and is an alumnus of LPDP, the person concerned is suspected of not having completed his contribution obligations after completing his studies," wrote LPDP through the official Threads account @lpdp_ri, quoted Monday, February 23.

LPDP stated that it would summon AP to ask for an explanation directly. If in the process of clarification it is proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled, LPDP emphasizes that it will take firm action in accordance with the rules.

"LPDP will carry out the process of taking action and imposing sanctions until the return of all scholarship funds if it is proven that the obligation to contribute in Indonesia has not been fulfilled," the statement continued.

LPDP emphasizes its commitment to consistently enforcing rules for all scholarship recipients and alumni. "LPDP is committed to enforcing rules fairly, consistently, and responsibly for all awardees and alumni, and to continue to maintain institutional integrity in providing the greatest benefits for Indonesia," said LPDP.

Regarding the DS controversy on social media, the LPDP assessed that the statement in question was not in line with the values instilled in scholarship recipients.

"The actions of sister DS do not reflect the values of integrity, ethics, and professionalism that LPDP instills in all scholarship recipients," wrote LPDP.

LPDP also explained the terms of service for scholarship recipients. All awardees and alumni are required to make contributions in Indonesia for two study periods plus one year. With a DS study period of two years, the contribution obligation that must be carried out is five years.

"Sister DS has completed her S2 studies and was declared to have passed on August 31, 2017, and has completed the entire period of service in accordance with the provisions. Thus, LPDP no longer has a legal association with the person concerned," explained LPDP.

However, LPDP stated that it would still communicate with DS. This step is intended as a form of education and reminder.

"LPDP will appeal to the parties concerned to be more wise in using social media, pay attention to public sensitivity, and understand again that LPDP scholarship recipients have a national obligation to serve the country," added LPDP.