Samarinda, Sketsa.id – The last week of May 2026 has become the most intense period for East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud. Public scrutiny has come not only from protesters demanding his resignation but also from his perceived arrogant responses to criticism and a minister’s joke seen as mocking public anger. Here is a recap of the issues surrounding the top leader in East Kalimantan.

A. 36-Page “Red Report” Names Governor’s Brother

The East Kalimantan People’s Struggle Alliance (APMK) submitted a 36-page document labeled the “red report” on Governor Rudy Mas’ud during the “215 Movement” protest at the East Kalimantan High Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday (21/5/2026).

APMK Field Coordinator Erly Sopiansyah claimed the report contained alleged policy violations under Rudy’s leadership. These include the procurement of a state car worth Rp8.5 billion, the renovation of the governor’s official residence at Rp25 billion, and allegations that the governor’s brother controlled major strategic projects in the province.

“The data includes what went viral earlier, like the Rp8.5 billion car. Including our findings that the governor’s brother arranged several large and strategic projects in East Kalimantan,” Erly said.

Head of the East Kalimantan High Prosecutors’ Office, Supardi, received the document and promised to study it. APMK plans to bring similar reports to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta soon.

B. Luxury Budgets: Rp8.5 Billion State Car to Rp25 Billion House Renovation

This issue is not new. Since March 2026, Rudy Mas’ud has been in the spotlight after proposing an Rp8.5 billion state car, sparking national controversy. Public deemed the budget unreasonable amid fiscal efficiency.

Rudy later apologized and canceled the purchase. But the damage was done. Issues of a Rp25 billion official residence renovation and a Rp450 million laundry budget then resurfaced.

Furthermore, the appointment of Rudy’s younger brother, Hijrah Mas’ud, as Deputy Chair of the Governor’s Expert Team for Development Acceleration (TAGUPP) has drawn sharp criticism over alleged political dynasty practices.

C. When Rudy Snapped at Protesters: “Ever Been a Council Member?”

That same day, Rudy met with 30 protester representatives at the Ruhui Rahayu Hall. Two main demands were presented: resign from his post or support the interpellation rights (Hak Angket) in the East Kalimantan DPRD.

Responding, Rudy said he did not reject the interpellation rights. “I support it, but according to Article 20 of the 1945 Constitution,” he said.

Controversy peaked when he made a remark perceived as degrading toward the protesters. “Have you ever been a council member? Become one first, then you can talk like that,” Rudy quipped.

He also compared the interpellation process to a medical procedure. “Don’t have heart surgery just because you’re short of breath. Follow the process,” he added.

D. Protesters Disappointed: Arrogant Attitude, Sarcastic Smile

For the protesters, Rudy’s response failed to address the essence of their demands. APMK Coordinator Erly Sopiansyah expressed deep disappointment.

“We are not satisfied. He didn’t even answer the demand about resigning or interpellation rights,” he said.

Beyond substance, Rudy’s manner of response was seen as disrespectful. “His way of speaking, his way of sitting, even his sarcastic smile. How he responded to the people was already arrogant. We, the people of East Kalimantan, still have manners,” Erly said.

Indigenous figure of Kutai, Hamsah Heri, who also attended the hearing, expressed disappointment that the forum failed to respect indigenous peoples.

E. Rudy Denies Arrogance: “You Asked for an Answer, I Gave One”

Responding to allegations of arrogance, Rudy strongly denied them. In a separate interview, he questioned the logic of protesters who became angry when he answered.

“You asked me to answer, I answered. Why call it arrogant?” Rudy said with a tone of disbelief.

He insisted his explanation of constitutional mechanisms was a form of political education, not humiliation.

F. When a Minister Laughed at Public Anger

On the national stage, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Golkar Party, Bahlil Lahadalia, offered controversial “support.” At the IPA Convex event in Tangerang on Wednesday (20/5/2026), Bahlil asked Rudy to stand before the audience.

“This is the governor who’s gone viral. Mr. Rudy, if an official doesn’t go viral, it’s not ‘top.’ Going viral means you’re ‘top.’ It’s normal to have ups and downs,” Bahlil said, followed by shared laughter with Rudy.

Bahlil even said Rudy should not resign. “We don’t retreat. No such thing,” he asserted.

The statement drew sharp criticism. The public saw the shared laughter as a form of elite insensitivity toward ordinary people’s struggles. “While our people are suffering out there, they’re laughing together in Jakarta,” a social media user commented.

G. Protests to Continue: If No Clarity, Masses to Rally at KPK and Attorney General’s Office

Unsatisfied with the governor’s response and the East Kalimantan DPRD’s slow action, APMK is determined to continue its fight.

Erly confirmed that if there is no clarity soon, they will take their protest to Jakarta. “We will bring this action to the KPK and the Attorney General’s Office soon. We will rally there,” he said.

Their demand remains unchanged: Rudy Mas’ud must resign, or Golkar Party must push for interpellation rights in the East Kalimantan DPRD.