January 12, 2026 | 09:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted the existence of a political dynasty in East Kalimantan. However, he asserts that he does not have any objections if siblings hold government positions within the same province.
The moment occurred during the inauguration of Pertamina's Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) project, at Refinery Unit V Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. When delivering a speech before the inauguration, Prabowo greeted the guests in attendance, including ministers, Pertamina's directors and commissioners, as well as local government officials.
Among the public officials present were Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
Prabowo then greeted East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud and the Forum of Regional Leaders (Forkopimda) of East Kalimantan Province, as well as the commander of the regional military command, the regional police chief, and the regional prosecutor in East Kalimantan.
"Mayor of Balikpapan. Oh, earlier Mr. Rudy was the Governor, and Mr. Rahmad is the Mayor," said Prabowo when greeting Balikpapan Mayor Rahmad Mas'ud in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Monday, January 12, 2026, as observed through the President's Secretariat's YouTube account.
Prabowo confirmed that they are indeed siblings. He also acknowledged that Rudy Mas'ud and Rahmad Mas'ud hold public office positions in the same region.
The Head of State emphasized that they both should be elected legitimately. "Are you brothers? That's fine, as long as the election is conducted properly," said Prabowo.
In addition to Rudy and Rahmad Mas'ud, their sibling Hasanuddin Mas'ud also holds a public office in East Kalimantan. Hasanuddin is East Kalimantan House Speaker (DPRD) for the 2024-2029 period.
Read: Prabowo Makes First Presidential Visit to IKN
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