Belajar dari Perlawanan Warga Pati vs Bupati Sudewo Belajar dari Perlawanan Warga Pati vs Bupati Sudewo

·43 min·4 clips

Thousands of Pati residents demand Bupati Sudewo's resignation after he raised property taxes by 250% just months into office.

The episode opens by detailing the protests in Pati, where thousands demanded Bupati Sudewo's resignation over a 250% increase in property tax (PBB P2). The host, Naomi Leandra, introduces three guests: Supriyono, coordinator of the Pati Bersatu alliance; Nimero Di Gulungan (referred to as Bang Gule), a legal advocate for the protesters; and Bivitri Susanti, a constitutional law expert. Supriyono explains the protest began organically via social media, fueled by Sudewo's broken campaign promise not to raise taxes and his false claim that taxes hadn't been raised in 14 years. He lists other controversial policies, like a monthly fee for street vendors. Bang Gule provides updates: 54 injured protesters were hospitalized, 22 detained have been released, and legal action is being prepared against police for excessive use of tear gas, even inside a mosque. Bivitri Susanti frames the protest as a positive example of civic participation and electoral accountability, contrasting it with Jakarta's political culture. She and Bang Gule note the protest has inspired solidarity and similar sentiments in cities like Malang, Cirebon, Semarang, and Jombang. The discussion turns to legal mechanisms: Bivitri explains the impeachment process, which involves a DPRD investigation, a Supreme Court review, and a final decision by the Minister of Home Affairs. She also suggests informal pressure from central government or Sudewo's party, Gerindra, could force a resignation. Listeners call in, with one from Bali praising the protest and urging Sudewo to resign honorably. The guests discuss the systemic issue of central government fund transfers being cut, pushing local leaders to raise taxes. Bang Gule criticizes Gerindra for nominating a candidate like Sudewo, who is allegedly involved in a corruption case. In the final segment, Supriyono warns of larger, sustained protests, including occupying the regent's office, if Sudewo does not resign. Bivitri expresses concern about potential further repression and calls for President Prabowo to intervene. The episode concludes with closing statements from all three guests.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Ruang Publik