LPDP Highlights, How Many Billion Rupiah Must Be Returned by Suami Dwi Sasetyaningtyas?

JAKARTA - The controversy over Dwi Sasetyaningtyas's upload on social media also drew public attention to her husband Arya Iwantoro's (AP) obligation as a scholarship alumnus of the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP). The question that then emerged was how much funds must be returned if AP is proven to have defaulted on his obligations and contributed to Indonesia in the post-education service period.

LPDP stated that it was conducting an internal investigation into the status of AP's obligations. If the results of the clarification state that the person concerned does not meet the provisions of LPDP, it has the authority to impose sanctions until the collection of the return of all scholarship funds received.

Based on the standard provisions in the LPDP scholarship agreement, awardees who do not return to Indonesia or settle abroad without permission are required to return all components of the financing. The components include education costs, monthly living expenses, book and research allowances, insurance, travel tickets, and other supporting costs. In addition, the return of funds can also be accompanied by fines or interest according to the contract clause.

For overseas studies, especially at the master's or doctoral level, the total LPDP scholarship funds received by the awardee are generally of great value. For the S2 program with a duration of two years, the total financing is estimated to range from IDR 1.5 billion to IDR 2.2 billion.

Meanwhile, for the S3 program for three to four years, the total funds can reach Rp. 2.5 billion to Rp. 4 billion. Thus, if the return is made in full, following the fine, the value that must be paid has the potential to penetrate the billion-dollar figure.

The LPDP emphasized that the imposition of sanctions was not carried out immediately. The summons and clarification will be carried out first to ensure the status of the awardee's obligation. If it is proven that there has been a violation, the LPDP can take administrative steps up to civil law to collect state funds that have been used.

Previously, the LPDP also stated that Dwi Sasetyaningtyas had completed his study period and his service obligations, so he was no longer bound by a legal agreement with the LPDP. However, unlike DS, the status of AP's obligations is still under examination.

This case reaffirms the LPDP's commitment to consistently enforce the rules to all awardees and alumni. Scholarship funds sourced from state finances, according to the LPDP, must be accounted for and used as much as possible for the benefit of human resource development in Indonesia.

On the other hand, the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia has previously emphasized that the government will not tolerate the misuse of state scholarship funds. Awardees who are proven to have violated contracts, including not returning during the LPPDP period, will be asked to return the funds and interest and will be subject to strict sanctions.

LPDP stated that the evaluation and clarification process for the Sesatningtyas case is still ongoing. The institution ensures that any alleged violations of the contract will be handled according to the applicable mechanism, prioritizing the principles of accountability and fairness.

The government hopes that this controversy will be a reminder for all state scholarship recipients that the rights obtained from public funds are attached to legal and moral obligations to return, serve, and contribute to the development of Indonesia.