PKS Criticises East Kalimantan Governor Over Rp 8.5 Billion Official Vehicle: Should Show Empathy

Mardani Ali Sera, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives and chair of the PKS political education body, has criticised the procurement of an official vehicle for East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Ma’sud, which costs Rp 8.5 billion.

Mardani reminded that leaders should serve their constituents. “Being a leader means serving. Leaders eat last,” Mardani told reporters on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Mardani stated that East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Ma’sud should demonstrate greater empathy. He argued that allocating Rp 8.5 billion for a single vehicle is ethically wrong.

“Leaders should be the last to enjoy such privileges; they should show empathy. Both logically and ethically, spending Rp 8.5 billion on one vehicle is wrong,” he said.

The Rp 8.5 billion budget allocation was initially explained by East Kalimantan’s Regional Secretary, Sri Wahyuni. According to Antara news agency on Tuesday, 24 February, Sri stated that the procurement plan had undergone careful consideration based on the operational needs and work effectiveness of the regional head.

She explained that the operational vehicle is intended to traverse East Kalimantan’s extreme geographical characteristics. The governor’s official vehicle must be capable of navigating the challenging terrain found across the province.

“The Governor is committed to directly monitoring every issue in remote areas. For example, during a visit to Bongan, he wanted to personally see the road conditions residents were complaining about. To reach critical points across such difficult terrain, a reliable and representative vehicle is required,” said Sri Wahyuni.