Pati, C. Java. Tens of thousands of residents poured into Pati’s central square on Wednesday, calling for Regent Sudewo to step down over a controversial tax increase and other disputed policies.

The United Pati Community Alliance, which organized the demonstration, claimed that 85,000 people joined the rally outside the Pati Regent’s Office, far exceeding the 50,000 initially invited. Protesters carried placards, chanted slogans, and listened to speeches from community leaders and legal representatives.

“This is a festival of revoking the people’s voting rights,” said alliance lawyer Nimerodin Gulo, accusing Sudewo of betraying the mandate of those who elected him. He warned that demonstrators would remain until their demands were met.

The protest 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 out of touch with local needs.

Organizers deployed members to escort supporters who were reportedly stopped at various checkpoints on the way to the city center. Authorities responded with a heavy security presence, mobilizing 2,684 personnel and blocking or rerouting entry points to maintain order.

The massive rally also forced 22 schools in Pati to switch to online learning for the day, following police directives to the regency’s education office.

By midday, the streets outside the regent’s office were packed with demonstrators. Donation posts lined the route to the Pati Regional House of Representatives, with piles of bottled water, snacks, and fruit stacked for the crowd.

“Our demand is for Regent Sudewo to step down honorably or be removed by the people of Pati Regency,” said protest initiator Supriyono.

Add as a preferred source on Google +