Dani Aswara, Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie emphasized that state scholarships are a "debt of gratitude" that must be understood as a trust. This statement was issued in response to a polemic on social media regarding the attitudes of scholarship alumni toward their citizenship status.

"I was criticized by netizens when I urged overseas S-1 scholarship recipients under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology that the scholarship is a debt. However, that's just the reality: every scholarship from the state is a debt of gratitude," said Stella on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

She perceives the recent controversy as a reflection of a moral education issue. The government's Education Endowment Fund (LPDP) is reportedly planning to summon its awardee, a husband of Dwi Sasetyaningtyas who created a controversial social media post, for allegedly failing to fulfill his obligations.

"Scholarships are not being understood as a trust, but merely as facilities," Stella noted.

The polemic began with an Instagram post from Dwi Sasetyaningtyas expressing a desire for her children to hold foreign citizenship. In a video that was later deleted, Tyas remarked, "It is enough for me to be an Indonesian citizen, not my children." This statement drew sharp criticism for appearing to demean the identity of Indonesian citizens, particularly as she is an alumnus of a state-funded scholarship.

Stella argued that the solution to this controversy is not to tighten scholarship regulations. According to her, excessive restrictions can breed cynicism and drive recipients to find ways to circumvent their obligations. "What is needed more is a trust-giving space for scholarship recipients to find their own ways to benefit the nation," she said.

She added that contributing to Indonesia does not always necessitate an immediate physical return. In certain cases, remaining abroad until reaching a strategic position can result in a far broader impact.

Stella mentioned that she continued to contribute while building her career in the United States and China, including mentoring Indonesian students and bridging institutional cooperation. She cited several members of the diaspora, such as Vivi Kasim, Sastia Putri, and Haryadi, as examples of scientists who have made contributions to the homeland.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2088801/state-scholarships-are-a-debt-of-gratitude-says-deputy-ministe