East Kalimantan Residents to Protest at Governor's Office and DPRD
Various elements of society, under the banner of the Aliansi Perjuangan Masyarakat Kalimantan Timur, will hold a demonstration in front of the East Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. This action serves as a means for residents to voice their aspirations regarding the performance and leadership of East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud and Deputy Governor Seno Aji.
Field Coordinator of the Aliansi Perjuangan Masyarakat Kalimantan Timur, Erly Sopiansyah, stated that the demonstration is a response to provincial government policies deemed detrimental to the local community.
“Our governor has caused a national uproar, which we see as embarrassing us as East Kalimantan residents,” Erly said via telephone on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
Erly detailed that the actions of Rudy Mas’ud under scrutiny include the procurement of official vehicles worth Rp 8.5 billion and renovations to the official residence costing Rp 25 billion. “At a time when the economy is tough for East Kalimantan residents, our governor is recklessly spending regional budget funds as he pleases,” Erly remarked.
He assessed that Governor Rudy has disregarded President Prabowo Subianto’s order for budget efficiency. “He has asked all regional heads in Indonesia to implement budget efficiency. This is what our governor has not done,” he said.
According to Erly, the mass action will be focused on two locations in Samarinda city. First, at the Provincial House of Representatives Building on Jalan Teuku Umar. Then, the protest will continue at the East Kalimantan Governor’s Office on Jalan Gajah Mada.
Erly stated that thousands of participants from 56 organisational elements are ready to take to the streets on 21 April. He added that the crowd consists of cross-sectoral community elements, from social organisations (ormas) to non-governmental organisations (LSM).
The Katakaltim news portal reported that the East Kalimantan Regional Police are preparing security measures for the planned demonstration.
Although they have not yet received official notification from the organisers, the police assured readiness of personnel to anticipate potential large-scale mobilisations.
Head of Public Relations of the East Kalimantan Police, Commissioner General Yuliyanto, said the police will continue preventive steps to maintain security and order. Yuliyanto stated that security will be carried out proportionately, prioritising a humane approach.
“Protest services by the National Police will be with sufficient force, not excessive. All police elements will perform their duties according to their respective portions,” Yuliyanto said in Balikpapan on Monday, 13 April 2026, quoted from Katakaltim.com.