Deputy Minister Urges LPDP Awardees to Respect Taxpayers

February 24, 2026 | 08:29 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara expressed his hope that scholarship awardees from the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) show respect for the Indonesian people. This is because the source of the funds they enjoy comes from public taxes.

"So, respect the people of Indonesia when receiving scholarships from LPDP. That's the people's money, our collective money. So if you receive it, then respect it," said Suahasil as quoted from Antara, Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

He explained that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, collects taxes from citizens, which are then allocated in the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). A portion of that revenue is set aside to serve as an endowment fund.

"Then, the endowment fund generates returns. The returns are used to fund scholarships. So, that is the people's money," said Suahasil.

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa also reminded LPDP scholarship recipients that the funds they receive for their studies originate from the people's taxes.

Purbaya conveyed this statement in response to a viral polemic involving an LPDP alumnus with the initials DS on social media. DS's statement on social media has garnered attention as it is considered to denigrate Indonesian passport access and is simultaneously seen as failing to demonstrate pride as an Indonesian citizen.

Purbaya lamented the alleged misuse of facilities or actions that are deemed not in line with the purpose of providing scholarships. The government, he said, will enforce applicable rules to ensure that scholarship recipients fulfill all of their responsibilities to LPDP.

The state treasurer also mentioned that the LPDP CEO has communicated with the individual concerned, and DS's husband, identified as AP, has agreed to return the scholarship funds.

In addition to the fund return, Purbaya is also considering firm action in the form of blacklisting across all government agencies for those deemed to have violated commitments and ethics as recipients of state scholarships.

Meanwhile, LPDP CEO Sudarto reported that a total of 44 scholarship recipients have been sanctioned for failing to fulfill their stipulated dedication obligations.

Out of this number, 8 people have been obligated to return the scholarship funds they received, while 36 others are still under examination.

Regarding the sanctions, Sudarto mentioned that awardees who violate the rules may be subjected to returning the scholarship funds along with interest, as well as being blocked from participating in LPDP programs in the future. These provisions are already stipulated in the agreement signed by the scholarship recipients.

Read: LPDP Alumni Controversy: British Passport Post Triggers Blacklisting Threat

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