Eka Yudha Saputra – The Presidential Palace ensures that there are no casualties in the protest rejecting the increase in rural and urban land and building tax (PBB-P2) and demanding the removal of Regent Sudewo in Pati, Central Java, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the government has traced the news of casualties to avoid ambiguity. Previously, there were rumors that three people died in the protest.

"We received information that until a while ago, no casualties had been found or reported," said Prasetyo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on August 13, 2025.

Although respecting the protest held by the people of Pati, the central government asked all parties to restrain themselves. Prasetyo also reminded public officials at the regional and central levels to be careful in making policies or conveying them to the public.

The Head of the Public Relations Division of the Central Java Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Artanto, dismissed the news of casualties in the Pati demonstration that ended in riots.

"Up to this afternoon, from our investigation, the police have found nothing. There are no casualties," said Artanto in his statement on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

However, Artanto noted that there were about 34 people injured in the riot in front of the Pati Regent's Office. He said the victims consisted of the masses and the police. He mentioned that seven police officers were injured.

"There are currently 34 people being treated and cared for at the Soewondo Hospital," said Artanto.

Artanto stated that the victims mostly suffered from bruises, head injuries, lacerations, and shortness of breath. "The victims mostly experience shortness of breath due to tear gas that we released because the situation was chaotic," he said.

The riot broke out after Regent Sudewo met with the demonstrators. He left his office and rode a tactical vehicle to the courtyard. Sudewo then came out through the top door of the car.

"I sincerely apologize," Sudewo said from the top of the car.

However, Sudewo was pelted with mineral water bottles and sandals. Security personnel then protected Sudewo with riot shields. Sudewo then re-entered the car.

– Jamal Abdun Nashr contributed to the writing of this article.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2039271/presidential-palace-denies-casualties-in-pati-protes