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View all search resultsMassive protest erupts in Pati demanding regent’s resignation
The protest triggers local councilors to open an inquiry to investigate alleged misconduct of Regent Sudewo that could lead to his impeachment.
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Onlookers check out a burnt car in the wake of an angry protest on Aug. 13 calling for the ouster of Pati Regent Sudewo. (Antara/Akmad Nazarudin Lathif)
T
ens of thousands of residents flooded the streets of Pati in Central Java on Wednesday, calling for the immediate resignation of Regent Sudewo amid a wave of controversy sparked by his widely criticized policies that have captured national headlines.
Protesters began gathering before dawn in front of the Pati Regional Administration Office on Jl. Tombronegoro, with many arriving on trucks from various regions in Pati. They were carrying banners with messages such as “Take down the Regent,” “Let’s fight the arrogant regent” and “Step down, Sudewo, or the people will remove you by force.”
Around 11 a.m., the protest grew tense as demonstrators threw empty water bottles at the Pati Regional Administration Office and tried to breach the fence. Police deployed tear gas to control the crowd, resulting in clashes between protesters and officers. A video also circulated showing the local police chief being struck during the confrontation.
Around noon, Regent Sudewo appeared atop a police armored tactical vehicle in an attempt to calm the unrest, offering an apology and pledging to “do better.” But the crowd’s frustration boiled over as they hurled sandals, rotten tomatoes and bottled water at him. His adjutants quickly shielded him with police riot shields before he withdrew swiftly back into the Pati Regional Administration Office.
The chaos persisted, with protesters throwing rocks at the building’s windows, setting a police vehicle ablaze and severing the office’s Wi-Fi cables.
By 1 p.m., protesters had breached the Pati Legislative Council (DPRD) building, prompting local councilors to convene an emergency session. The council agreed to exercise its right of inquiry to investigate Regent Sudewo’s policies and formed a special task force to investigate potential misconduct as a basis for impeachment.
The move was unanimously supported by all eight political parties represented in the council, including Sudewo’s own Gerindra Party, which holds 12 percent of the seats.
