Eka Yudha Saputra – Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regretted the arrogant attitude of Pati Regent Sudewo in responding to public protests against the 250 percent increase in the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2). Sudewo had previously invited the public to protest with 5,000 or 50,000 people to reject the policy.
"There hasn't been a specific response. Yes, of course, Prabowo regrets that. That's his response to anyone," Prasetyo said at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Prasetyo urged public officials at the central and regional levels to be careful in issuing policies, especially those that directly impact the public. "We have been continuously reminding them of that," he said.
Furthermore, the Head of Organization, Cadre, and Membership of the Gerindra Party's Central Leadership Council stated that his party had provided guidance to Sudewo following public protests. The guidance was provided by the Secretary General of the Gerindra Party Central Executive Board, Sugiono, and the Chairman of the Gerindra Central Java Regional Representative Council, Sudaryono.
He stated that public officials carry the party's reputation. Therefore, they must be careful in conveying statements or policies to the public.
Yesterday, thousands of Pati residents held a demonstration demanding that Regent Sudewo resign. The demonstration stemmed from the Pati Regency Government's policy of increasing the PBB-P2 (land and building tax) rate by 250 percent.
This rate increase was within the maximum limit and did not apply to all taxable objects, with some increasing by only 50 percent. However, residents still rejected the PBB rate increase. After public protests, Sudewo rescinded the policy.
The public highlighted Sudewo's statement challenging a demonstration involving tens of thousands of people. This statement prompted local residents to stage a large-scale demonstration.
Sudewo appeared amidst the thousands of people yesterday. Using a police tactical vehicle, he apologized to residents and promised to correct his mistake. Sudewo was then pelted with mineral water bottles and sandals. Security officers then protected Sudewo with shields. Sudewo then got back into the car.
– Eka Yudha Saputra and Jamal Abdun Nashr contributed to the writing of this article.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2039272/prabowos-response-to-the-protest-against-pati-regent-sudew