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Police arrest 11 after Pati regent protest erupts in riot

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Tempo - August 13, 2025
Jamal Abdun Nashr, Jakarta – Police arrested 11 people after a riot broke out during a demonstration in front of the Pati Regent's office in Central Java on Tuesday, August 13, 2025. Protesters set fire to a police car, and officers used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

"At present, there are about 11 individuals who acted as provocateurs that we have taken into custody. They are currently being identified and questioned by the detective unit," said the Head of the Public Relations Division of the Central Java Regional Police, Grand Commissioner Artanto.

He said the burned police car belonged to the Security and Maintenance Division (Propam). "We will investigate and carry out a thorough inquiry into the case," he added.

According to Artanto, the protest began peacefully before attacks were directed at security officers. "They threw mineral water bottles, rocks, sticks, rotten fruit, and other objects, which escalated the situation into chaos," he said.

Police fired water cannons and tear gas at the demonstrators, pushing them away from Alun-Alun Pati. The tear gas was met with counterattacks from the protesters.

Artanto said police officers would patrol Pati city to deter demonstrators. "We are conducting patrols to ensure Pati city remains peaceful and safe," he stated.

The protest was triggered by Pati Regent Sudewo's decision to increase the Land and Building Tax by 250 percent, along with several other programs rejected by residents. Although the tax hike had been canceled before the protest took place, demonstrations still went ahead.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2039066/police-arrest-11-after-pati-regent-protest-erupts-in-rio

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