Jakarta – An Indonesian citizen and alumnus of the state-funded Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) scholarship program has issued a public apology following a controversial statement made on social media. The individual, identified by the Instagram handle @sasetyaningtyas, posted a statement and apology after expressing the sentiment “cukup saya saja yang WNI, anak-anak saya jangan” – roughly translated as “it’s enough that I am Indonesian, my children don’t need to be” – sparking widespread online criticism.
The statement, which quickly went viral, touched a nerve among many Indonesians, prompting a swift response from the LPDP alumnus. In a formal statement, @sasetyaningtyas explained that the remark stemmed from personal feelings of disappointment, fatigue, and frustration with various conditions experienced as a citizen. Still, they acknowledged that the manner of expression was inappropriate and had the potential to offend many, particularly concerning national identity.
“I fully realize that the sentence was inappropriate and could be interpreted as a form of belittling Indonesian citizenship,” the statement read. The individual admitted to poor word choice and expressing the sentiment publicly, taking full responsibility for the impact of the statement regardless of the underlying emotions. They emphasized the importance of learning from criticism and feedback to improve communication in public spaces, advocating for more thoughtful, clear, and empathetic interactions.
“I love Indonesia, with all its hopes and challenges, and I hope I can continue to contribute to Indonesia today and in the future,” the apology concluded. The statement also expressed hope for self-reflection and devotion during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. CNNIndonesia.com confirmed it had received permission from the account holder to quote the statement.
The controversy began after the individual shared a video “venting” about waiting four months for a package, according to detik. The package contained a letter from the UK Home Office and passports confirming that both of their children had officially become British citizens.
In the video, the individual expressed that their children would now possess foreign citizenship and “strong” passports, while they themselves would remain an Indonesian citizen. The post quickly drew attention and ignited a debate about national identity and the choices parents develop for their children’s futures.
The LPDP scholarship program is a prestigious initiative of the Indonesian government designed to fund Indonesian citizens pursuing higher education at leading universities both domestically and abroad. The program aims to develop future leaders and contribute to Indonesia’s development. A recent report lists universities within Indonesia that participate in the LPDP program for 2026.
The incident highlights the complex emotions and considerations surrounding citizenship, particularly for Indonesians with family living abroad. While the individual has apologized for the phrasing of their statement, the underlying sentiment reflects a broader discussion about opportunities and challenges faced by Indonesian citizens and their families.
As the conversation continues online, it remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on public discourse surrounding citizenship and national identity in Indonesia. The case underscores the importance of thoughtful communication and sensitivity when discussing potentially divisive topics on social media.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Share your perspective in the comments below.
