EN.malanginspirasi.com – Amid Indonesia’s government efforts to build superior human resources through the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) Scholarship, the phenomenon of scholarship recipients not returning to the homeland after completing their studies has come under scrutiny.
As of February 2026, official data from LPDP and the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) records only 44 awardees confirmed to have violated the obligation to return and serve, out of tens of thousands of recipients since the program launched in 2012.
This figure, though relatively small, representing about 0.1% of total awardees, still sparks debates on public fund accountability and the risk of brain drain, where top talents end up contributing abroad.
This issue is not new. Initially, in 2023, LPDP reported 413 alumni suspected of not returning, but after in-depth verification, the number significantly decreased. Many cases turned out to have valid reasons, such as extended research with official permission or remote contributions.
Notable Cases and Public Discourse
Viral cases have fueled public discussions and amplified the issue’s visibility. For instance, the case of AP, the husband of an influencer Dwi Sasetyaningtyas (DS), has drawn significant attention.
AP, a recipient of master’s and doctoral scholarships in the UK with a monthly stipend of up to Rp43 million, is alleged to have not returned despite graduating, prompting accusations of ingratitude toward funds sourced from taxpayers.
“This isn’t just about money, but moral responsibility to the nation,” said an education observer who declined to be named.
Such examples, often amplified on social media, illustrate how individual stories can overshadow the low overall numbers, leading to broader debates on patriotism, program effectiveness, and the adequacy of Indonesia’s job market for highly skilled graduates.
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While from a historical perspective, the LPDP program has funded around 40,000-50,000 awardees to date, focusing on higher education in strategic fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The return obligation is strictly regulated: awardees must serve in Indonesia for twice the study duration plus one year. For example, five years for a two-year master’s program.
Violations often occur among PhD graduates tempted by global career opportunities, such as research at top universities in the US or UK.
However, the data shows high compliance rates, with only 8 of the 44 confirmed cases having received definitive sanctions. The rest are still under investigation, reflecting the government’s caution to avoid misclassification.
Government Responses: Sanctions and Enforcement Mechanisms
The government is not passive in addressing this issue. Through the Badan Pendidikan dan Pelatihan Keuangan (BPPK) under Kemenkeu, a multifaceted approach is implemented, from prevention to law enforcement.
First, summoning and clarification serve as initial steps. In AP’s case, LPDP promptly responded by calling the individual for an explanation before deciding on sanctions. If proven guilty, awardees must repay the entire scholarship amount plus 8-10% annual interest, revocation of alumni status, and blacklisting from other government programs.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that AP has agreed to repay the funds, underscoring the government’s commitment to program integrity.
Inter-agency collaboration is also strengthened. LPDP works with the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) to track through passport and visa data, and accepts public reports—often triggered by social media exposures.
For prevention, the government encourages partnerships with domestic industries to offer competitive positions for graduates. It will reducing the allure of brain drain.
A 2023 Narasi Newsroom report highlighted alumni complaints about difficulties in finding suitable jobs in Indonesia, which is a root cause.
That said, there are nuances to consider. Some observers argue that mandatory return rules could limit global contributions, such as knowledge transfer through diaspora networks.
“Not all who stay abroad are traitors. They can bring investments or international collaborations,” said a policy analyst in education.
Strengthening the System
On the other hand, critics emphasize the importance of accountability, given that LPDP funds come from the state budget (APBN). The implications are broad. If unaddressed, it could erode public trust in scholarship programs, while strict enforcement might encourage greater compliance among awardees.
Overall, despite the low violation numbers, this phenomenon serves as a reminder for the government to continually refine the system, including flexible service options like remote contributions.
With periodic audits and transparency, LPDP is expected to remain a pillar of national human resource development, without losing valuable talents.
