Protests in Pati Heat Up, Regent Sudewo Chooses to Stay Despite Calls to Resign

Source: tirto.id

www.jejaknesia.com - Behind the calm of the small town known as "Bumi Mina Tani", Pati, Central Java, a major storm has arrived. Not a natural storm, but a storm of protests shaking the foundations of local governance. Thousands of residents poured into the streets, carrying banners and shouting demands that echoed to the ears of officials. This demonstration was not merely an ordinary rally, but the peak of long-suppressed frustration. The center of all this commotion is one name: Regent Sudewo, now being urged to resign by his own people.

Like a plot in an intrigue-filled novel, this conflict began with a seemingly trivial policy that had massive consequences: the increase of Land and Building Tax (PBB) perceived as unreasonable by residents. This event was not just about numbers on paper, but about eroded trust, broken promises, and citizens feeling unheard. Let’s delve deeper, chapter by chapter, into how this political drama unfolded, ultimately triggering unavoidable chaos.

Initial Stage: Tax Hike Stirring Unease

The drama began in government meeting rooms. The policy to raise PBB was approved for reasons that seemed logical from the government’s perspective but felt like a heavy blow to most Pati residents. The staggering increase surprised many. Some residents, especially those working in agriculture and small businesses, felt suffocated. They wondered, is this how the government promotes the welfare of its people? How could taxes rise so drastically without adequate socialization and consideration for citizens’ purchasing power?

The increase was not just a financial burden but also affected psychological aspects. Citizens felt this policy was not on their side. It was as if, amid economic pressure, the government added an extra burden. This unease spread from mouth to mouth, village to village, eventually finding a spark ready to ignite.

Peak of Citizens’ Anger: Massive and Chaotic Demonstration

The most anticipated yet dramatic moment came when thousands of residents decided not to remain passive. They gathered, not only from one social group but from various communities. One of the largest forces driving this action was the Pati Santri Alliance (ASP), who saw this as the culmination of residents’ frustration. They not only demanded a revision of the PBB policy but also held the highest local leader accountable: Regent Sudewo must resign from his position.

On the scheduled day, the crowd flocked to the regent’s office complex. What initially was a hopeful atmosphere for being heard slowly turned tense. When their demands were not met, the situation escalated uncontrollably. Clashes broke out. Security forces and the crowd faced off, triggering tragic confrontations. An incident that should have been a dialogue ended in violence.

Casualties and Impact of the Chaos

The clash left wounds, both physical and emotional.

Source: bbc.com

Latest data shows that at least 64 people were injured. They included demonstrators, security personnel, and media workers covering the event. This incident marks a dark chapter in local democracy, highlighting the fragility of situations when communication between the government and citizens breaks down. These victims are silent witnesses to the failure of dialogue, sacrifices that should not have occurred.

Regent Sudewo’s Position Amid the Storm

Amid overwhelming calls for resignation, Regent Sudewo found himself in a very difficult position. However, he showed no signs of giving in. In a firm statement, he refused to resign.

Source: bbc.com

He argued that the PBB increase policy had gone through proper studies and followed applicable procedures. For him, calls to resign were unconstitutional and not a solution to the problem. He chose to remain in power, facing the storm created by his own citizens.

Regent Sudewo acknowledged that this was a severe test of his leadership. He believes that the turmoil was not solely caused by PBB but also provoked by irresponsible parties. This statement, of course, further strained relations and widened the gap between him and the citizens. His decision not to resign resembles a cold war declaration ready to continue into the next chapter.

Fundamental Governance Principles Ignored According to KPPOD

Amid all this drama, there are voices of wisdom attempting to mediate. One such voice is the Regional Autonomy Implementation Monitoring Committee (KPPOD). This organization points out that the conflict is not merely about a tax hike. There are fundamental principles of local governance being neglected, namely accountability and transparency. The poorly socialized PBB increase, lack of dialogue, and inability of the local government to listen to citizens’ aspirations are the root issues.

According to KPPOD, local governments should not focus solely on increasing local revenue (PAD), but must also consider the social and economic impacts of every policy. Lack of effective communication is a fatal failure. This is a valuable lesson for all local leaders in Indonesia: power without the people is an illusion.

This story of a turbulent Pati is not just news that will appear and disappear. It reflects the dynamics of our politics and democracy. When citizens’ voices are no longer heard, and policies feel oppressive, resistance becomes inevitable. The Pati unrest is a reminder that good leaders are not just those who can make policies but those who can embrace, listen, and empathize with their people. The future of Pati now stands at a crossroads, and only time will tell whether dialogue will find its way back or whether this division will deepen.

What do you think, what steps should the Pati Regency Government take to calm this turmoil? Share your opinion in the comments section 😋.

References:

• CNN Indonesia
• Kompas.com
• Kompas.tv