East Kalimantan Governor Returns Rp8.49 Billion Official Vehicle, Prioritises Public Trust
Governor of East Kalimantan Province (Kaltim), Rudy Mas’ud, has officially decided to return the newly purchased official vehicle following public scrutiny. The vehicle was previously budgeted through the 2025 Amended Regional Budget (APBD) with a value of Rp8.49 billion. This decision was taken after public controversy and widespread discussion on social media.
The Head of the East Kalimantan Communications and Information Office (Diskominfo), Muhammad Faisal, announced in Samarinda on Sunday that the decision demonstrates the provincial leader’s sensitivity to public response.
According to Faisal, before taking the final step, the Governor consulted with several state oversight institutions to ensure the policy remained within regulatory boundaries. “The Governor carefully considered input from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Corruption Eradication Commission, and the Supreme Audit Board. He also listened directly to the concerns of community leaders and religious figures. As a leader who upholds the public trust, he chose to prioritise harmony and public confidence above official facilities,” Faisal stated.
Faisal explained that the official vehicle in question is a Range Rover 3.0 LWB Autobiography PHEV P460e worth Rp8.49 billion. The unit only underwent handover procedures on 20 November 2025.
However, he assured that the vehicle had never been used for operational activities in East Kalimantan. “The unit remains at the East Kalimantan Liaison Office in Jakarta. Since it has never been used for operations, the Governor ordered the Budget User Authority and Commitment-Making Officials to immediately process its return,” he added.
Faisal disclosed that administrative procedures for cancelling the procurement began the previous Friday. The supplier, CV Afisera Samarinda, is reported to have been cooperative and understanding of the situation developing within the community.
According to legal mechanisms, the sum of Rp8,499,936,000 must be returned by the supplier to the regional treasury within 14 days of receiving the unit back.
This decision is expected to defuse the controversy that had emerged in public discourse. As a consequence, Rudy Mas’ud will return to using his personal vehicle to support his official activities as East Kalimantan Governor.
“This decision is concrete proof of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government’s commitment to good governance principles. The Governor is grateful for the constructive criticism from the public. For him, maintaining integrity and unity is far more valuable than luxury facilities,” Faisal concluded.