TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A photograph of Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara, Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), displayed on the official website of the Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), circulated widely on X in mid-February 2026. Anonymous accounts reposted the image, branding Bhima an LPDP alumnus who had betrayed his pledge of service.
The accounts, each with fewer than 5,000 followers, alleged that Bhima frequently criticized President Prabowo Subianto’s policies, including the free nutritious meal program. Celios, the think tank Bhima leads, once published research estimating the meal program could potentially cost the state Rp3 trillion to Rp5 trillion (about US$180-300 million) per month. “I was accused of betrayal,” Bhima said in Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Bhima received an LPDP scholarship to study at the University of Bradford, England, in 2013. He said his social media inbox was flooded with messages from anonymous accounts warning him not to criticize the government because he had once received LPDP funding. The senders also disclosed personal information, including his educational background and email address.
Two Celios researchers who are also LPDP alumni received similar ultimatums on social media. They were sent anonymous messages revealing details about their family backgrounds. The accounts later deleted their posts.
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