Golkar Criticises East Kalimantan Governor Over Rp8.5 Billion Official Vehicle: Listen to the People's Voice!

Jakarta – Sarmuji, deputy chairman of Golkar party’s central board, has commented on the controversy surrounding the procurement of an official vehicle for East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, valued at Rp8.5 billion.

Sarmuji stated that he has engaged in direct communication with the East Kalimantan governor to provide input regarding public sensitivity surrounding the matter.

Sarmuji stressed that amid efforts to improve budget efficiency, public officials must be more attentive to the people’s voice before implementing policies to procure luxury items.

“We have communicated with the East Kalimantan Governor. We have asked him to listen more to the public’s voice amidst efficiency measures,” Sarmuji told journalists on Friday, 27 February 2026.

According to the explanation Sarmuji received, the vehicle procurement budget had actually been agreed upon since 2024. Rudy Mas’ud argued that the vehicle’s high specifications were necessary given the challenging geographical terrain of East Kalimantan and the province’s vast area, which is nearly equivalent to Java Island.

However, Sarmuji emphasised that technical and geographical reasons should not be the sole measure. He reminded that standards for official facilities must remain grounded in the economic conditions of the people.

“Whatever it may be, we must measure it against our people’s circumstances, not by personal standards,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Sarmuji revealed that Rudy Mas’ud continues to use his private vehicle to carry out his official duties. Although governors are entitled to official vehicles under regulations, Sarmuji considers the current use of a private vehicle as a more prudent course of action.

“The governor explained that he is currently still using his private vehicle as an official vehicle. I conveyed that this is better, although fundamentally the governor is entitled to an official vehicle,” said Sarmuji.

Regarding Golkar’s next steps, Sarmuji assured that the party will continue to exercise its oversight function and maintain communication with party members and regional leaders it supports. This is to ensure that regional leaders are more careful and thorough in formulating policies that affect public perception.

“Yes, we remind each other,” he concluded.