East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud Returns Rp8.5 Billion Official Vehicle After Social Media Backlash
Samarinda – The Governor of East Kalimantan Province, Rudy Mas’ud, has formally decided to return a newly procured official vehicle from the 2025 revised regional budget, valued at Rp8.49 billion, which had generated considerable controversy on social media.
Muhammad Faisal, Head of the Communications and Informatics Office of East Kalimantan, emphasised that this step demonstrates the governor’s sensitivity to the social dynamics in the region.
According to Faisal, the strategic decision was taken following extensive consultation with various state oversight agencies.
“The governor considered input from the Interior Ministry, the KPK, and the BPK. He also directly heard the concerns of community and religious leaders. As a leader who upholds his mandate firmly, he chose to prioritise harmony and public trust over official facilities,” Faisal said in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Faisal explained that the Range Rover 3.0 LWB Autobiography PHEV P460e official vehicle, valued at Rp8.49 billion, had only recently undergone a handover process on 20 November 2025.
However, Faisal assured that the vehicle had not yet been driven on East Kalimantan’s roads.
“The unit remains at the East Kalimantan Regional Office in Jakarta. Since it has not yet been used for operations, the governor instructed the Budget User Authority and Commitment Official to promptly process its return,” he added.
He revealed that the administrative cancellation process has been underway since last Friday. The supplier, CV Afisera Samarinda, has reportedly been cooperative and understanding of the developing situation.
Under applicable legal procedures, the supplier is obligated to return funds totalling Rp8,499,936,000 to the regional treasury within a maximum of 14 days after the unit is returned.
This bold step is expected to mark the end of the controversy that had intensified in the public sphere. As a consequence, Rudy Mas’ud will continue to use a personal vehicle to support his official activities as the top official in East Kalimantan.
“This decision is concrete evidence of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government’s commitment to good governance principles. The governor is grateful for constructive criticism from the public. For him, maintaining integrity and unity is far more valuable than luxurious facilities,” Faisal explained.