Deputy Interior Minister: Cancel Rp 25 Billion Budget for East Kalimantan Governor's Residence If Not a Priority
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto has requested the cancellation of the budget for procuring massage chairs and seawater aquariums for the official residence (rujab) of East Kalimantan Governor Rudi Mas’ud if it is not urgent.
“Yes, if it’s not a priority, just cancel it,” Bima stated at the Interior Ministry Plaza in Jakarta on Monday (27/4/2026).
Bima Arya asked Rudi Mas’ud to reconsider the use of the Rp 25 billion budget in the detailed budget plan (RAB).
“This is something that must be carefully considered by the Governor, and we are asking the Governor to really reconsider and review it. Everything can be adjusted,” Bima said.
He emphasised that the use of the budget related to the renovation of the East Kalimantan Governor’s official residence must adhere to the principle of efficiency.
“Yes, we leave it to the regional government; what we want is for it to be returned to the principle of efficiency,” he said.
Furthermore, Bima affirmed that the Interior Ministry is also giving special attention to the controversy surrounding the East Kalimantan Governor, which is currently under public spotlight.
“East Kalimantan is something we are accompanying specially because there are many complaints, and we are also observing the public opinions that exist,” Bima said.
“So, East Kalimantan has many notes from us. We will certainly respond to every development. There is an Inspector General whom we have sent there, and colleagues from the Regional Autonomy (Otda) who are also communicating and reminding. In essence, the spirit of efficiency must continue to be upheld,” he added.
Bima admitted that his side always reminds Governor Rudi about the principle of efficiency and ethics.
He also stated that a leader must prioritise the people first.
“And a leader, yes, must be the last one to be pleased; the leader must be the last one to be comfortable. A leader is not oriented towards facilities. A leader is oriented towards works and performance. We hope that this spirit is realised by regional heads, including the Governor,” Bima remarked.
It was previously reported that East Kalimantan Governor Rudi Mas’ud has finally expressed an apology to the public regarding the controversy over the Rp 25 billion official residence renovation plan, which has drawn widespread criticism from the public.
The apology was conveyed through his personal Instagram account, @h.rudymasud, on Sunday (26/4/2026) around 10:00 p.m. WITA, in response to the growing public concern over the past few days.