Muhammad Iqbal Ikromi, Jakarta – A massive protest involving tens of thousands of residents demanding the resignation of Pati Regent Sudewo descended into chaos at the Pati Regency Hall in Central Java on Wednesday, prompting the local legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings.
The demonstration was sparked by Sudewo's decision to raise urban and rural land and building tax (PBB-P2) rates by up to 250 percent, a move many residents say has placed an excessive burden on households. Critics have also condemned several of his other policies as controversial and disconnected from local needs.
Tensions boiled over when the crowd, frustrated at being unable to meet Sudewo despite earlier assurances, hurled bottles, vegetables, and other objects at police. Officers responded with tear gas, forcing parts of the crowd to disperse. Several protesters, mostly women, sustained injuries and were taken to health posts and ambulances for treatment.
Chanting "Come out, Sudewo!" the protesters, who packed the courtyard of the regency hall, tried to push through the main and side gates. Inside, Sudewo was reportedly accompanied by Pati Police Chief Jaka Wahyudi and Military District Commander Timotius Berlian Yogi Ananto, who were said to be urging him to address the demonstrators.
Field coordinator Ahmad Husein said the protest swelled to 100,000 people, up from an earlier estimate of 85,000. Authorities deployed 2,684 joint personnel from 14 police precincts, the military, and other agencies to maintain order.
The protesters outlined five demands: Sudewo's resignation; rejection of the five-day school week policy; rejection of a Rp 2 billion renovation of Pati Town Square; opposition to the demolition of the historic Pati Town Square Mosque; and scrutiny of a Rp 1.39 billion videotron project.
In a rapid political response, the Pati Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) held a sudden plenary session and unanimously agreed to form a special committee to launch an impeachment inquiry into Sudewo. All political parties – including Gerindra, Sudewo's own party, along with PDI-P, PPP, PKB, PKS, Democrat, and Golkar – supported the move.
"Considering the situation in society and the number of residents hurt, we have agreed to exercise our right of inquiry and form the Pansus," DPRD Pati Speaker Ali Badrudin said, prompting a loud show of approval from council members.
The session was convened at short notice, with invitations only issued on Wednesday.