August 13, 2025 | 03:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The demonstration in Pati on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, escalated into a tense confrontation in front of the Regent's Office. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, which was demanding the resignation of Pati's Regent, Sudewo. Amid the chaos, Sudewo made an appearance, arriving in a police armored vehicle.
Wearing a white shirt and a black songkok (traditional male hat), Sudewo emerged from the top hatch of the tank-like vehicle. It advanced toward the Pati Regent's Office courtyard, and he used a megaphone to address the protesters. "I sincerely apologize," the Gerindra Party politician stated.
However, Sudewo's arrival was met with a barrage of thrown water bottles. Security personnel quickly shielded him, and he retreated back inside the vehicle.
The protests stemmed from a controversial decision by Sudewo to increase land and building taxes by 250 percent. While he claimed the decision had been discussed with various community representatives, the people of Pati rejected it, calling the hike an unbearable burden during a period of economic hardship.
Sudewo initially remained steadfast, refusing to revoke the tax increase. He even appeared to challenge his opponents, reportedly stating he would confront a crowd of "even 50,000 deployed masses."
This uncompromising stance drew widespread criticism. In response, the community began collecting donations to organize a large-scale protest. The Public Order Police Unit even seized aid and logistics that had already been gathered in the regent's office yard.
As the Pati Community Alliance continued to gather support and donations for the protest, Sudewo's position softened. He ultimately decided to cancel the 250 percent tax increase and also rescinded a five-day school week policy that had faced opposition from the Islamic boarding school community.
However, these concessions did not quell the public's resolve. The protesters' demands shifted from a policy reversal to the full resignation of the regent.
Editor's Choice: Thousands Flock to Pati's Town Square, Demanding Regent to Step Down
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Thousands Flock to Pati's Town Square, Demanding Regent to Step Down
3 jam lalu
A massive crowd of protesters gathered in Pati's town square on Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025. They demand the Regent, Sudewo, to step down.
Celios: Bank Indonesia's Payment ID Could Bolster Tax Data
5 hari lalu
Payment ID is a payment system based on the Citizenship Identification Number (NIK) that integrates all individual financial activities.
Indonesia's New Crypto Tax Rules: Key Points You Need to Know
11 hari lalu
The latest tax regulations on crypto assets have been issued by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. What are the key points?
Jakarta Authorities Clarify 80% Reduction in Fuel Tax
12 hari lalu
Jakarta's fuel tax incentives aim to suppress inflation and support strategic sectors, such as public transportation, defense, and security.
Crypto Asset Sales No Longer Subject to VAT Under New Finance Ministry Rule
13 hari lalu
The government has issued a new tax regulation regarding crypto asset transactions, which will come into effect on August 1, 2025.
Why Cigarette Tax Should Be Increased by 25 Percent per Year
20 hari lalu
The increase is expected to make cigarettes less affordable for the entire population, particularly to restrict young access to the commodity.
Civil Society Groups to Protest Against KUHAP Bill at Parliament Today
22 hari lalu
Rejection of the proposed Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) Bill continues, with the Civil Society Coalition set to protest this afternoon.
BEM SI to Stage Nationwide Protests: Addressing Import Tariff Policies and Tom Lembong's Verdict
23 hari lalu
BEM SI is gearing up to hold a nationwide protest against government policies.
Prabowo Accuses Corruptors of Illegally Paying Protesters in 'Dark Indonesia' Protests
23 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto claimed that corruptors pay the masses for demonstrations under the titles 'Dark Indonesia'.
Indonesia's Sri Mulyani Urges Inclusive Global Financial Reform at G20 Meeting
23 hari lalu
According to Sri Mulyani, the global financial architecture must encompass the full spectrum of the economy.
