East Kalimantan Governor Returns New Official Vehicle Worth IDR 8.49 Billion

Samarinda — The Governor of East Kalimantan Province, Rudy Mas’ud, has formally decided to return a new official vehicle procured under the 2025 amended regional budget (APBD Perubahan) worth IDR 8.49 billion, which had sparked considerable controversy on social media.

Muhammad Faisal, Head of the East Kalimantan Communications and Information Service (Diskominfo), affirmed in Samarinda on Sunday that this step represents the Governor’s sensitivity to the dynamics of public opinion in the region.

According to Faisal, this strategic decision was made after conducting thorough consultations with various state oversight institutions. “The Governor considered input from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Corruption Eradication Commission, and the Supreme Audit Board. He also directly heard the concerns of community and religious leaders. As a leader who upholds his mandate, he chose to prioritise harmony and public trust above official facilities,” Faisal stated.

Faisal explained that the Range Rover 3.0 LWB Autobiography PHEV P460e official vehicle worth IDR 8.49 billion had only recently completed the handover process on 20 November 2025. However, Faisal confirmed that the vehicle had never touched the road in East Kalimantan.

“The unit is still at the East Kalimantan Liaison Office in Jakarta. Since it has never been used for operations, the Governor has instructed the Budget User Authority (KPA) and the Commitment-Making Official (PPK) to immediately process its return,” he added.

He revealed that the administrative cancellation process began last Friday. The supplier, CV Afisera Samarinda, has been reported to be cooperative and understanding of the situation.

Under applicable legal mechanisms, the supplier is obligated to refund IDR 8,499,936,000 to the regional treasury within a maximum of 14 days following the return of the unit.

This bold step is expected to end the controversy that had intensified in the public sphere. As a consequence, Rudy Mas’ud will resume using his personal vehicle to support his official activities as the top official in East Kalimantan.

“This decision is concrete proof of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government’s commitment to the principles of good governance. The Governor thanks the public for their constructive criticism. For him, maintaining integrity and unity is far more valuable than luxury facilities,” Faisal concluded.