Rebuked by Prabowo Over Rp 8.5 Billion Official Vehicle, East Kalimantan Governor Apologises

East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud has spoken out after being called out by President Prabowo Subianto over the procurement of an official vehicle worth Rp 8.5 billion amid pushes for budget efficiency. He expressed appreciation for the open reprimand from the head of state.

“Regarding the President’s statement, it serves as a reminder to all regional heads across Indonesia that efficiency is extremely important,” he said when met after the Idul Fitri prayer farewell last weekend.

Rudy Mas’ud also revealed that the Range Rover-branded official vehicle had been returned since early March 2026, complete with its administration. At that moment, Rudy also conveyed an apology for the commotion caused by the procurement of the official vehicle.

“Alhamdulillah, on 2 March we had actually returned this vehicle, and the administration was completed on 11 March. Now it’s the 21st, with your permission, I apologise sincerely,” he said.

Rudy also stated that the budget from the returned official vehicle could later be utilised for more prioritised needs, such as basic public services.

“Everything has been returned to the government, returned to the regional coffers. Hopefully, it can be more beneficial for development activities that are in the nature of minimum service standards, starting from education, health, infrastructure, including social activities,” he said.

Rudy also apologised again to the people of East Kalimantan and Indonesians regarding the polemic over the official vehicle procurement that was highlighted some time ago. He affirmed openness to criticism and readiness to be monitored in future policy-making.

“So once again, to all the people of East Kalimantan, the people of Indonesia, I apologise if there is anything displeasing. We are very attentive to all criticisms and suggestions; we greatly accept criticisms and suggestions. Once again, to all the people of East Kalimantan, please monitor us so that we can build East Kalimantan together. If there is anything displeasing, please forgive us, but support us with prayers so that we all remain healthy, strong, and able to carry out our mandate,” he said.