Pati Protest Erupts in Chaos After Regent Refuses to Meet Demonstrators

Pati: A protest at the Simpang Lima Square in Pati turned violent on Wednesday after Pati Regent Sudewo failed to meet with demonstrators.

The crowd, which had gathered peacefully since 8:00 a.m. local time, became unruly around 11:20 a.m. Bottles of mineral water were hurled at the Pati Regent’s Office as frustration mounted.

The protest coordinator attempted to calm the demonstrators, but their anger proved uncontrollable. Police officers at the scene deployed water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowd, but the unrest persisted.

Tear gas was eventually fired, breaking up the concentration of protesters. However, tensions escalated further, and water bottles gave way to stones being thrown at the Regent’s Office. Several smoke grenades were detonated, and some of the building’s windows were damaged.

Earlier, a truck had been turned into a makeshift stage for speeches. “Just one word: remove Sudewo,” shouted protest leader Husein. The same demand was echoed by another orator, Kristoni, who declared, “Sudewo must step down.”

Banners expressing demands, grievances, and discontent were displayed throughout the area, including one reading: “Regent Sudewo, step down with honor or be forcibly removed by the people.” Another banner called on the president: “President Prabowo, dismiss Regent Sudewo.”

Supriyono, deputy leader of the United Pati People’s Alliance, said that although Regent Sudewo had promised to review the controversial land and building tax (PBB-P2) policy that sparked the protests, the rally went ahead as planned. The demands expanded beyond the tax issue to include calls for Sudewo’s resignation.

According to Supriyono, the push for Sudewo’s removal was based on several controversial policies during his short tenure, which allegedly misused public funds. These included plans to tear down the newly renovated Pati Square at a cost of over Rp 2 billion, the installation of a video screen in front of the regent’s office costing more than Rp 1 billion, and even the proposed demolition of the historic Pati Grand Mosque.