A lavish “Bollywood-themed” coordination meeting and communal iftar (breaking of the fast) event, hosted by officials from the Sidoarjo Regency Government, has sparked considerable public discussion. The gathering took place at the Mahabarata Palace Graha Unesa in Surabaya City on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Videos from the elaborate event quickly circulated online, showing officials adorned in vibrant Indian-style attire. The venue was similarly decorated with ornate Indian themes, complemented by a spread of Indian-inspired dishes.
Central to the viral footage was Fenny Apridawati, the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Sidoarjo Regency, who became the focal point of the controversy. Following the widespread attention, the video was subsequently removed from Fenny’s social media accounts.
In response to the burgeoning public reaction, Fenny Apridawati issued a formal clarification and heartfelt apology on Saturday, March 14, as detailed in a press release received by kumparan.
According to the official statement, Fenny conveyed her sincere apologies to all segments of the Sidoarjo community. She addressed the social media posts regarding the iftar event, acknowledging that it was widely perceived as lacking sensitivity to the prevailing public sentiment and economic conditions. “Responding to the evolving public perception, the Sidoarjo Regency Government highly appreciates every input and criticism given as a form of citizen control over the running of the government,” Fenny stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to public accountability.
No Regional Budget Utilized
Fenny clarified that the event was, in fact, a strategic coordination forum specifically held outside regular working hours. Its primary objective was to accelerate the implementation of key regional priority programs, focusing on essential public services.
“We need to convey that the activity did not use the Regional Budget (APBD). This event was purely a moment of goodwill and fellowship during the holy month of Ramadan, which we leveraged to strengthen and expedite the Sub-district Indicative Ceiling (PIWK) program, particularly regarding critical road improvements across Sidoarjo. It also served as a vital technical coordination meeting for the preparation of SPHP rice distribution, aimed at stabilizing food supply and prices for our residents,” Fenny elaborated, underscoring the event’s functional purpose.
Despite its internal coordination nature, Fenny acknowledged that the public documentation of the activity had unfortunately caused a significant stir. She conceded that it was perceived as not adequately demonstrating empathy for the current economic challenges faced by the community.
“I extend my sincerest apologies to all Sidoarjo residents. We realize that as public servants, we should be far more discerning and sensitive in documenting our activities, especially amidst the difficult circumstances experienced by our citizens,” Fenny expressed with humility, reflecting on the administration’s responsibility.
Fenny further affirmed that the valuable criticism from the community would serve as a stern reminder for all bureaucratic ranks within the Sidoarjo Regency Government. This feedback, she noted, is crucial for fostering enhanced social sensitivity in every decision made and every activity undertaken by the administration.
The Sidoarjo Regency Government, Fenny reiterated, remains steadfastly committed to focusing on tangible actions. This commitment is particularly directed towards the timely completion of vital road infrastructure and ensuring the availability of affordable food staples for the community, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan leading up to the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
“Public trust is our most important asset. This constructive input becomes valuable capital for us to continuously improve and ensure that our dedication remains perfectly aligned with the hopes and expectations of the Sidoarjo residents,” Fenny concluded, reinforcing the government’s pledge to its constituents.
Summary
A lavish “Bollywood-themed” coordination meeting and iftar, hosted by Sidoarjo Regency Government officials, sparked public criticism. Held on March 6, 2026, in Surabaya, videos showed officials in vibrant Indian attire and themed decorations, leading to widespread online discussion. The event was perceived as insensitive given current public sentiment and economic conditions.
Sidoarjo Regional Secretary Fenny Apridawati formally apologized on March 14, acknowledging the lack of empathy demonstrated. She clarified the event was a strategic coordination forum for regional priority programs, like road improvements and food distribution, held outside working hours and not funded by the Regional Budget. Fenny stated the criticism would enhance the government’s social sensitivity in future activities.