Bahlil Teases East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud, Who Is Going Viral

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and General Chair of Golkar, Bahlil Lahadalia, has teased East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud. He noted that every administration has its strengths and weaknesses. He made the remarks at the opening and inauguration of the IPA Convention and Exhibition 2026 at ICE BSD, Tangarang, on Wednesday 20 May 2026. He began by praising ENI and Petronas for a new gas discovery in Kalimantan Timur. ‘I would like to commend ENI for announcing a new bloc in East Kalimantan with 5 TCF of gas and the potential to produce 200,000 condensate equivalent to 200,000 barrels, if I’m not mistaken, Pak Joko; production is expected to begin in 2028–2029,’ he said, as seen on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ YouTube channel on Thursday 21 May 2026. He regarded this as a new milestone. He then delivered a joke directed at Rudy Mas’ud, who has been viral lately: ‘This is a new step. Here is the governor. Mr Rudy, please stand up. This is the East Kalimantan Governor who is viral,’ Bahlil quipped. ‘The one who is viral. Mr Rudy, if we become officials and we’re not viral, we aren’t top. Because we are viral, we are top. The pluses and minuses are normal; it’s how we mitigate and navigate. In other words, we need to spin it a bit, more or less.’ He urged Rudy not to retreat and expressed confidence that the governor could handle political dynamics and public criticism: ‘It’s OK, you’re the Golkar chairman, so there’s no need for us to retreat.’ It is noted that Rudy Mas’ud’s policies often trigger controversy, including a government official car purchase worth Rp 8.5 billion. Rudy said the procurement was done in accordance with the rules and to uphold Kalimantan Timur’s dignity. The vehicle has since been returned following criticism from various quarters. Nevertheless, the policy controversies around Rudy Mas’ud did not end there, as he faced further criticism over a Rp 25 billion budget for renovating the governor’s official residence, sparking public anger and demonstrations. Also watch the video ‘Bahlil Lapor Prabowo about BBM and mining permits that have stalled’.