Tomorrow Demonstrations Against 250 Percent Increase of Building Tax in Pati, 2,684 Security Personnel Deployed

Pati Regent, Sudewo (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Police are tightly securing a public demonstration against the 250 percent increase in the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2) in Pati tomorrow, Wednesday, August 13th. A total of 2,684 joint personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and representatives from various agencies will be deployed.

"Security will be carried out professionally and humanely. We are not only focusing on crowd control, but also prioritizing good communication to ensure the situation remains under control without any friction," said Pati Police Chief Senior Commissioner Jaka Wahyudi in Pati on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara.

The joint personnel involved include personnel from 14 police precincts, including the Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimob) of the Central Java Regional Police, the Directorate of Public Order (Ditsamapta) of the Central Java Regional Police, a joint team of directorates, divisions, and work units from the Central Java Regional Police Headquarters, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), the Health Agency, the Transportation Agency, the Fire Department, and other relevant agencies.

He said all officers also received technical and mental guidance in accordance with standard operating procedures, including how to deal with potential provocation.

"We remind protesters and the public not to bring prohibited items, such as alcohol, drugs, sharp weapons, firearms, explosives, firecrackers, or objects that could potentially be used to damage public facilities. We will take swift action if any violations are found. This is for the safety of all and the smooth running of the event," he emphasized.

The Pati Police are also coordinating with the protest coordinators to agree on the technical aspects of implementation on the ground. A dialogical approach is key to ensuring that aspirations remain conveyed within the law. Traffic hazards have been mapped and traffic management has been prepared to avoid congestion, with personnel stationed at intersections and main routes.

In addition to security personnel, the Pati Police have deployed medical teams, firefighters, and crowd control teams to anticipate any buildup or friction on the ground. All security activities will be transparently documented to ensure accountability.

"We respect the public's right to express their opinions, but they must be done in accordance with the rules. Our duty is to safeguard, protect, and serve. Use a persuasive approach before resorting to law enforcement," he said.

He also urged non-essential residents to avoid the protest area to prevent crowds and potential security disruptions.

Pati Regency residents will protest tomorrow's demonstration to protest the 2025 PBB-P2 tax increase of up to 250 percent. However, Pati Regent Sudewo ultimately withdrew the PBB rate increase.

The 250 percent increase is the maximum limit and does not apply to all taxable objects, as some have only a 50 percent increase. In fact, many have only a 50 percent increase.