Palace Respects DPRD's Right to Inquiry After Protest Demanding Pati Regent's Resignation Turns Chaos
JAKARTA - State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that the Palace respects the decision taken by the Pati Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) to form a special committee (Pansus) to investigate. This committee was formed in the wake of the chaotic mass demonstrations demanding the resignation of Pati Regent Sudewo.
"We also monitored that the Pati DPRD is exercising its rights. We respect all processes, and the central government will continue to monitor and coordinate with all parties," Prasetyo Hadi said, as reported by ANTARA on Wednesday, August 13.
Pati DPRD Chairman Ali Badrudin confirmed that a plenary meeting of the DPRD was held today, attended by 42 of the 50 members, making it a quorum.
Of the 42 members, some proposed the formation of a special committee (Pansus) to investigate. The meeting formed a 15-member Pansus team.
"All factions agreed to form a special inquiry committee to follow up on the policies of Pati Regent Sudewo. The special committee met today (August 13th). They are awaiting the results, as they have 60 working days," he said.
He added that the special committee from the Pati Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) will evaluate the Pati Regent's policies regarding the handling of protesters. The results will then be recommended for submission to the Supreme Court.
He urged the public to express their opinions in a positive and non-violent manner, and urged the public to maintain a conducive situation, as Pati Regency belongs to all and must be protected together.
Meanwhile, Pati Regent Sudewo emphasized that he would not resign despite demands from a number of protesters, as he was elected constitutionally and democratically by the people.
During the unrest, demonstrators pelted Regent Sudewo with sandals and mineral water bottles.
"Of course, he can't resign and resign based on demands like that, because there are mechanisms in place for everything," he said, as reported by ANTARA on Wednesday, August 13th.
He stated that he continues to respect the ongoing political process in the Pati Regency Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), including the right of inquiry proposed by council members.
"The DPRD has the right of inquiry, and I respect the plenary session," he emphasized.
The Regent also stated that the demonstrations that took place today (August 13th) have largely concluded and the situation has returned to normal.
"Generally speaking, it's over. Even if there were some throwing of objects when we met with the demonstrators, we can understand their emotions because the crowd was so large that it was impossible to fully control them. But most importantly, everything went well," he said.