The Case of LPDP Alumni Dwi Sasetyaningsih: Chronology, Apology, & Response from the Scholarship Provider

Kapanlagi.com - Shocking news has come from the online world, dragging the name Dwi Sasetyaningsih, an alumnus of the Scholarship Management Agency (LPDP). Her controversial post on social media on February 20, 2026, immediately sparked widespread public uproar. The polemic began with her sensitive statement regarding her child's citizenship status, who is now a British citizen.

Dwi Sasetyaningsih, affectionately known as Tyas, shared a video on her personal Instagram account, @sasetyaningtyas, showing her child's British passport document. The statement "just let me be the Indonesian citizen, my children should not be" quickly drew condemnation. The public deemed her words to belittle the Indonesian passport and not reflect the spirit of nationalism, especially since she is a recipient of a public scholarship.

Although the video has been deleted, its clips have already gone viral and become a hot topic across various platforms. LPDP also expressed regret over this incident, considering Dwi Sasetyaningsih is one of its alumni who is expected to uphold the values of integrity and ethics.

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1. The Beginning of the Controversy Surrounding Dwi Sasetyaningsih's Post

This polemic began when Dwi Sasetyaningsih uploaded a video on her personal Instagram account, @sasetyaningtyas, on Friday, February 20, 2026. In the video, she proudly showcased her second child's British citizenship documents, who had just officially obtained a passport from that country.

The controversial statements "I’ll be the only Indonesian citizen, my children shouldn’t be" and "Let’s aim for strong foreign passports" that came out of her mouth immediately sparked a storm of criticism. These remarks were deemed to belittle the Indonesian passport and considered inconsistent with the spirit of nationalism.

2. Public Reaction and Nationalism Spotlight

Many netizens felt enraged and considered the content shared by Dwi Sasetyaningsih to be unwise, especially given her status as an LPDP alumnus. The statements were seen as not reflecting nationalism, especially since she was a scholarship recipient funded by public money.

The video, which was later deleted, continued to spread widely, triggering intense debate about the importance of maintaining the nation's image. This case serves as a reminder for scholarship recipients to always be cautious in expressing themselves in public spaces.

3. The Involvement of Dwi Sasetyaningsih's Husband, AP

Dwi Sasetyaningsih's husband, who has the initials AP, is also an alumnus of LPDP and has been implicated in this case. LPDP suspects that AP has not fulfilled his contribution obligations after completing his studies.

Currently, LPDP is conducting an internal investigation regarding these allegations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. The involvement of Dwi Sasetyaningsih's husband adds complexity to the Complete Chronology of the LPDP Alumni Case of Dwi Sasetyaningsih.

4. Dwi Sasetyaningsih's Viral Apology

In response to the wave of criticism and controversy that arose, Dwi Sasetyaningsih finally made a public apology through a video. This apology was made after her post went viral and caused an uproar.

She acknowledged that her statement had caused misunderstandings and unrest in the community. The apology video is hoped to ease the tension that emerged from her remarks.

In her apology, Dwi Sasetyaningsih emphasized that there was no intention whatsoever to belittle her own nation; in fact, she expressed pride in being an Indonesian citizen. She explained that the controversial statement stemmed from her personal feelings of disappointment, exhaustion, and frustration regarding various conditions as a citizen.

Nevertheless, Dwi Sasetyaningsih realizes that such disappointment should not have been expressed in a way that could potentially hurt the feelings of many people. She takes full responsibility for the poor choice of words that created this controversy.

5. Official Response from LPDP Regarding This Case

LPDP officially responded to the controversy involving its alumnus, Dwi Sasetyaningsih, on February 21, 2026. The institution deeply regrets the incident as it does not align with the values they uphold.

The LPDP reiterates the importance of integrity and ethics for every scholarship recipient. They are committed to continuing to guide alumni to always be good role models for society.

6. Status of Dwi Sasetyaningsih's Service Obligation

According to the provisions, all awardees and alumni of LPDP are required to serve in Indonesia for twice the duration of their studies plus one year. Dwi Sasetyaningsih, who completed her master's degree in two years, has a service obligation of five years.

LPDP confirms that Dwi Sasetyaningsih has completed her master's studies and graduated on August 31, 2017, and has fulfilled her entire service period as required. Thus, LPDP no longer has any direct legal obligations with her.

7. LPDP's Appeal and Commitment for the Future

Although no longer legally bound, LPDP will continue to communicate with Dwi Sasetyaningsih to encourage her to be more prudent in using social media. They also want to reiterate the national obligation of LPDP scholarship recipients to serve the nation.

LPDP emphasizes its commitment to uphold the rules fairly, consistently, and responsibly to all awardees and alumni. This institution is determined to maintain its integrity in order to provide the greatest benefit for Indonesia.

8. LPDP Investigation into Dwi Sasetyaningsih's Husband

LPDP's focus has now also shifted to Dwi Sasetyaningsih's husband, AP, who is also an LPDP alumnus. LPDP is currently conducting an internal investigation regarding the allegation that AP has not fulfilled his contribution obligations.

If violations are proven, LPDP will not hesitate to further investigate and impose sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. This case serves as an important lesson for all LPDP alumni to always adhere to the commitments that have been agreed upon.

(kpl/ums)