East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud has addressed growing public scrutiny regarding the provincial government’s food and drink budget, which has reached approximately Rp10 billion. The Governor asserted that these expenditures are actually on a downward trend annually.
Budget Trends and Data Clarifications
Speaking on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Rudy Mas’ud provided a detailed breakdown of the spending. He stated that food and drink expenses stood at Rp12.33 billion in 2023 and peaked at Rp15.89 billion in 2024.
According to the Governor, the budget then dropped to Rp11.93 billion in 2025 and is expected to decrease further to approximately Rp10.24 billion in 2026. He emphasized that this represents a clear declining trend.
The Governor warned that “cutting” data leads to dangerous misperceptions. He urged the public to verify information through official sources and visit the governor’s office directly for accurate data.
Addressing Budget Realization and Operational Needs
Rudy Mas’ud also clarified the difference between planned budgets and actual spending. As an example, he noted that even as a plan for Rp25 billion had been circulated, the actual realization was only around Rp16 billion.
he explained that food and drink budgets are not exclusive to the provincial government but are also utilized by other institutions, such as the DPRD, as part of necessary operational requirements.
Broader Context of Public Unrest
These clarifications follow significant public tension in the region. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, approximately 3,000 people from the Aliansi Rakyat Kaltim protested in front of the Governor’s office.
Demonstrators, including students and labor groups, raised concerns over other controversial expenditures. These included Rp8.5 billion for official vehicles, Rp25 billion for the renovation of the governor and deputy governor’s official residences, and Rp8.2 billion for office rearrangements.
The protests also highlighted the removal of BPJS subsidies for 49,000 people and an Rp10.5 billion budget for an expert team. Protesters demanded an evaluation of government policies and an end to KKN practices.
Potential Future Developments
Given the current climate, the provincial government may face increased pressure to provide more frequent and transparent budget reports to regain public trust. There is a possibility that further protests could occur if the public perceives the government’s responses as insufficient.
The Governor’s call for a conducive atmosphere suggests that the administration is likely to focus on correcting misinformation to prevent further social provocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trend for East Kalimantan’s food and drink budget?
According to Governor Rudy Mas’ud, the budget is trending downward, moving from Rp12.33 billion in 2023, Rp15.89 billion in 2024, Rp11.93 billion in 2025, to an estimated Rp10.24 billion in 2026.
How much was actually spent on the Rp25 billion planned budget mentioned by the Governor?
The Governor stated that the actual realization was approximately Rp16 billion, not the Rp25 billion that had been circulating in reports.
What were the main demands of the protesters on April 21, 2026?
Protesters demanded an evaluation of Pemprov Kaltim policies, the cessation of KKN practices, and for the DPRD to optimize its oversight functions.
Do you believe official budget realizations are communicated clearly enough to the general public?
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