August 14, 2025 | 08:40 am
POLICE fired tear gas in various directions to disperse protesters calling for the resignation of Pati Regent Sudewo on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The protest descended into chaos, leading to dozens being hospitalized.
Tear gas was directed towards the Baitunnur Grand Mosque located west of Pati's Town Square. Several protesters were at the mosque after moving from the demonstration center in front of the Pati Regent's Office.
Jenderal Sudirman Street on the north side of Baitunnur Mosque also became a target for tear gas. Meanwhile, several ambulances were parked on that street. Health workers then moved the ambulances away to the west.
Participants at the mosque and Jenderal Sudirman Street also ran to avoid the tear gas fumes. Similar conditions occurred on roads leading to Pati's Town Square.
Central Java Regional Police Public Relations Chief, Commissioner Artanto, stated that the use of tear gas had followed procedure. "Certainly, the standard operating procedures carried out by the police have been in accordance," he said.
As of Thursday evening, five riot victims were still being treated at Soewondo Hospital. They experienced respiratory distress due to the tear gas shots.
Pati Regent Sudewo had previously made a controversial decision to raise the land and building tax (PBB-P2) by 250 percent. The tariff increase was claimed to aim at increasing Pati Regency's income.
However, the people of Pati rejected the decision, deeming it burdensome amid the current economic hardship. Sudewo insisted he would not revoke the decision to raise the tax rate. He even seemed to challenge the people who opposed his policy by saying that he would face even 50,000 deployed protesters.
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