Political Dynasty of East Kalimantan Governor: From Regional Parliament Chair to Regent
East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud has come under public scrutiny following controversy over the procurement of a new official gubernatorial vehicle. The acquisition of a new official vehicle for the East Kalimantan Governor was reported to have reached Rp8.5 billion, a substantial figure that has sparked significant debate amid the regional government’s budget efficiency policy.
Beyond the vehicle procurement controversy, Mas’ud has now attracted further attention regarding public positions held by his relatives at both provincial and national levels.
His wife, Sarifah Suraidah, serves as a member of the national parliament during the 2024-2029 term. Sarifah was appointed as a member of commission VI of the national parliament from the Golkar Party faction, replacing her husband Rudy Mas’ud, who stepped down before taking office as he was a candidate in the 2024 East Kalimantan gubernatorial election.
Rudy Mas’ud’s elder brother, Rahmad Mas’ud, currently serves as mayor of Balikpapan for the 2025-2030 term. Rahmad secured victory in the 2024 Balikpapan municipal election with 177,290 votes.
Another elder brother, Hasanuddin Mas’ud, serves as chair of the East Kalimantan regional parliament and simultaneously holds the position of chair of the budgetary body.
Rudy Mas’ud’s younger brother, Abdul Gafur Mas’ud, previously served as regent of Penajam Paser Utara during 2018-2022. However, in 2022, he was arrested through a corruption sting operation by the anti-corruption commission in connection with procurement cases and licensing matters in Penajam Paser Utara regency during 2021-2022.
Rudy Mas’ud’s sister, Syahariah, was elected as a member of the East Kalimantan regional parliament for the 2024-2029 term.
Rudy Mas’ud’s cousin, Alwi Al Qadri, serves as chair of the Balikpapan city parliament from the 2024 elections. He is also reportedly considering submitting candidacy for chair of the East Kalimantan sports council.