Jamal Abdun Nashr, Jakarta – Pati Regent Sudewo is refusing to resign despite protests by residents on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The demonstration turned chaotic, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
"I was elected by the people constitutionally and democratically. So I cannot resign based on that demand. Everything has its mechanisms," he said.
Sudewo said he understood the protesters' demands for his resignation. The former member of the People's Representative Council (DPR) added that he would work on improving his leadership.
"This is a learning process for me because I have only been in office as regent for a few months. There are still many shortcomings, many weaknesses that we need to fix in the future," he said.
Regarding the Pati Regional People's Representative Council's (DPRD) decision to form a Special Committee for impeachment inquiries, Sudewo said he respects the move.
"It is within the DPRD's right to pursue impeachment, and I respect that authority," he stated.
Earlier, Sudewo met protesters at Alun-Alun Pati in front of his office, arriving in a military vehicle. Wearing a white shirt and a black cap, he emerged from the top hatch of the vehicle and was shielded by security personnel.
He greeted the crowd with a megaphone, saying, "I apologize sincerely." However, his arrival was met with thrown bottles of mineral water. Security personnel shielded him before he re-entered the vehicle.