East Kalimantan Governor Apologises and Cancels Rp8.5 Billion Official Vehicle Purchase
East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud has confirmed that the provincial government has decided to cancel the planned purchase of an official gubernatorial vehicle valued at Rp8.5 billion. The decision was made by Rudy after receiving considerable public criticism.
“We wish to announce that the East Kalimantan provincial government has decided to cancel the gubernatorial official vehicle that was previously planned,” said Rudy via his personal Instagram account on Monday (2 March).
Rudy claimed the decision was made after listening to and seriously considering the positive input from East Kalimantan society.
“We affirm that this decision, God willing, will not disrupt government performance; public service duties will continue to operate optimally and our focus remains on people’s welfare,” he said.
Apology
Rudy also apologised for the controversy surrounding the multi-billion rupiah official vehicle.
“In this month of forgiveness, accompanied by our apology to all Indonesian society, particularly the people of East Kalimantan, we express gratitude for the public’s input and constructive criticism, which God willing will become energy for us in achieving East Kalimantan’s success and moving towards a golden generation; we ask for your prayers and blessing,” said Rudy.
According to Rudy, good government is one that listens and has the courage to make wise decisions.
Previously, the Interior Ministry (Kemendagri) recommended that East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud review the plan to procure the official vehicle worth Rp8.5 billion. Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya stated the recommendation was given because the plan for the luxury vehicle contradicted efficiency principles.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) also stated it was following the issue. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo reminded local governments to use budgets in accordance with actual needs.
Meanwhile, Rudy Mas’ud had previously stated he had not yet received the Rp8.5 billion official vehicle currently at the centre of the controversy. Rudy said he continues to use his personal vehicle for official duties.
“Regarding the vehicle, to date the East Kalimantan provincial government has not provided us with a vehicle for use in East Kalimantan, so there is no vehicle. The vehicle we use today is our personal vehicle,” Rudy told media on Monday (23 February).
Rudy stated the new official vehicle would be used to support regional head activities, especially given East Kalimantan’s position as a buffer zone for the new national capital (IKN), which means the regional head has frequent diplomatic visits.
“East Kalimantan is the Nation’s Capital, a miniature Indonesia. Guests are not only regional heads from across Indonesia, but also international visitors. Should the regional head use a sub-standard vehicle? We must uphold East Kalimantan’s dignity,” he said.
Rudy explained that the vehicle procurement also referred to Interior Ministry Regulation Number 7 of 2006. This regulation stipulates that a regional head’s sedan vehicle has a maximum engine capacity of 3,000 cc and jeep-type vehicles 4,200 cc.
“The vehicle procured is only 3,000 cc. Regarding price, there is appearance, quality, and standard. We are not following the price; we are only following the specifications, in accordance with the Interior Ministry regulation,” said Rudy.