Illusion of Development: When Renovating an Official Residence is Faster than Improving Public Services

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The plan to renovate the official residence of the Governor of East Kalimantan, Rudy Mas’ud, valued at Rp 25 billion, has successfully drawn public attention. It is not just the fantastic figure, but the timing that feels inappropriate while the government is implementing efficiency measures amid uncertain geopolitical conditions. The public naturally questions the priorities. Official residences often become a “fresh start” with every new official’s arrival. Secretary General of the Indonesia Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA), Misbah Hasan, assesses that this phenomenon does not occur without reason. Building official residences appears easier and more representative compared to building public services, which often require time. Improvements or developments in services have a longer path. There must be studies, tender processes, budget calculations, coordination between agencies and ministries/institutions, as well as other bureaucratic obstacles. “That factor might also be present, because procurement of goods/services for infrastructure must go through a tender process, it cannot be done directly by oneself. Especially if the amount is above Rp 200 million, it definitely must go through a tender process,” said Misbah, when contacted by Kompas.com on Wednesday (29/4/2026).