Jakarta. The regent of Pati, Central Java, who sparked public outrage after imposing a 250 percent increase in land and property taxes before eventually rescinding it, may face corruption charges in connection with a major railway project scandal, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said on Wednesday.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo confirmed that Regent Sudewo is suspected of benefiting from illicit funds linked to railway maintenance and construction projects.

“He is one of the suspected beneficiaries of commitment fees related to the railroad construction project,” Budi was quoted by state news agency Antara as saying.

The announcement came as thousands of residents staged a massive protest in Pati earlier in the day, vandalizing public property and damaging police vehicles in response to the now-repealed tax hike.

While Sudewo has not been formally named a suspect, reports indicate that the KPK seized Rp 3 billion ($196,000) from his home during an investigation that began in April 2023. Asked whether the regent would be summoned, Budi said the decision rests with investigators and will depend on the progress of the probe.

Sudewo’s name surfaced during a court hearing in Semarang in November 2023, when a defendant in the graft case mentioned him. The regent has denied any wrongdoing.

The KPK alleges that senior officials accepted kickbacks from companies awarded multiple railway projects across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. At least 15 suspects have been identified, including high-ranking officials from the Transportation Ministry’s Railway Directorate.

Despite repealing the tax hike and issuing a public apology, Sudewo has refused to step down, insisting that mass protests cannot remove a regent outside established legal procedures.

“We must follow the applicable mechanisms,” he said from his office. “Pati belongs to its people, so please stay united and don’t be easily provoked.”

During Wednesday’s rallies, local political parties agreed to demands from protesters to form an inquiry team in the regional legislature that could pave the way for his impeachment. The decision came after thousands of demonstrators occupied the legislative building.

Sudewo, 56, was sworn in on February 20 alongside other newly elected mayors and regents across Indonesia. A member of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), he previously served two terms in the House of Representatives before winning the regency election.