JAKARTA: Plans by the South Sumatra administration to spend nearly Rp 500 million (US$30,000) on two billiards tables for its Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) leadership have triggered widespread public backlash.
The procurement plan was listed in the General Procurement Plan Information System (SIRUP) of the South Sumatra DPRD Secretariat, which is accessible to the public.
The table for Andie Dinialdie's residence is valued at Rp 151 million, while the one for Ilyas Panji Alam's residence is significantly higher at Rp 335.9 million, bringing the combined total to nearly Rp 487 million.
The plan sparked widespread criticism after screenshots of the procurement listing circulated widely on social media, prompting netizens to accuse the administration of using taxpayer money for unnecessary and lavish spending amid ongoing government austerity measures.
The central government significantly reduced regional transfers last year and has maintained this policy in the 2026 state budget.
The cuts have forced many regional administrations to scale back programs and tighten spending to balance their budgets. South Sumatra DPRD Secretary Aprizal said the procurement of the billiards tables was proposed by DPRD Speaker Andie, who also chairs the South Sumatra chapter of the All-Indonesia Billiards Sports Association (POBSI).
“Yes, it was proposed by the leadership. I think it was reasonable given [Andie’s] role as head of the provincial billiards association,” he said on Sunday as quoted by Tribunnews.com.
Responding to the backlash over the planned procurement of the billiards tables, South Sumatra DPRD Speaker Andie Dinialdie said the facility could also benefit local athletes.
“The billiards table will be used as an alternative training venue for South Sumatra billiards athletes. In addition to existing venues, they will also be able to train at my official residence,” he said on Sunday.
However, the Golkar Party politician said the plan would be reevaluated in line with principles of efficiency and priority spending.
“I understand the public’s concerns about the use of regional budget funds and appreciate their input. We will evaluate every procurement plan in South Sumatra, and if it is deemed non-urgent or unlikely to provide significant benefits, it could be revised or canceled,” he said.
The controversy over South Sumatra’s planned purchase of billiards tables comes just days after the East Kalimantan governor drew widespread criticism over what was seen as “excessive spending” on his official car.
The East Kalimantan administration recently purchased a Range Rover 3.0 Autobiography LWB, valued at Rp 8.5 billion, for Governor Rudy Mas’ud.
The vehicle cost seven times more than the official car of President Prabowo Subianto. Rudy defended the purchase, saying the vehicle was intended to uphold East Kalimantan’s image as the home of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
“Our administration frequently hosts guests from across Indonesia and abroad. Our facilities must reflect the region’s dignity and not appear inferior to outsiders. I do not want East Kalimantan to be seen as poor,” he said.
Meanwhile, East Kalimantan Secretary Sri Wahyuni said the Range Rover was selected for its ability to support the governor’s field operations across the province.
“The vehicle allows the governor to navigate difficult terrain, including forested areas,” she said.
Despite these explanations, the official car purchase sparked widespread public criticism. Many argued that the funds would have been better spent repairing the province’s numerous
Critics also called Rudy’s “upholding the region’s image” justification insensitive amid ongoing economic hardship and austerity measures, saying the money could have been used for health care, education or other public services.
Following the backlash, Rudy eventually decided to return the newly purchased car. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
