Pati Regent Demoted, Palace Reminds Public Officials Not To Be Arrogant

Minister of State Secretary/ANTARA/Genta Tenri Mawangi.

JAKARTA - Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi, who is also the Presidential Spokesperson, said the government appealed to all public officials not to be arrogant, especially when making policies that provoke public reactions.

Prasetyo conveyed the appeal when asked for a response regarding the attitude of Regent Pati Sudewo, which was judged by many of his citizens to be arrogant, especially after he responded to the public's rejection of the policy of increasing land and building taxes (PBB) in Pati Regency by 250 percent.

The policy, after being rejected by Pati residents, was later canceled by the Regent of Sudewo, but many Pati residents still demanded Sudewo resign from his position.

"Many times we as the central government have repeatedly appealed that as public officials at any level, both at the central, provincial and regional levels, we must realize that we need to be careful in conveying everything, let alone conveying a policy that will have an impact on the community," Prasetyo said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 13.

"We constantly urge you," continued Prasetyo.

Prasetyo said President Prabowo Subianto had monitored the situation in Pati Regency.

President Prabowo, according to Prasetyo, also regretted the situation in Pati Regency, which today was chaotic due to the anger of the mass action against the Regent Pati Sudewo, who was considered arrogant.

Prasetyo emphasized that he respected the demonstration held by hundreds of thousands of residents in front of the Pati Regent's Office. However, Pras asked all parties to refrain, especially after the mass action ended in chaos until a car was burned, and the Regent Sudewo was thrown with sandals by a number of demonstrators.

"Of course the first time as the central government pays attention and asks all parties to also hold back. The Regent also personally we also communicate, then I also continue to monitor, communicate with the Governor of Central Java. Hopefully soon we can find the best way out," said Prasetyo Hadi.

Masses who are members of the United Pati Community Alliance filled the streets in front of the Pati Regent's Office, Pati, Central Java, Wednesday, to protest demanding Sudewo resign.

The action then ended in chaos, especially when the Regent of Sudewo appeared in the midst of the crowd and wanted to listen to the aspirations of the demonstrators.

However, Sudewo's presence then sparked public outrage as seen from the throwing of sandals and plastic bottles of bottled water at Sudewo.

The police then dispersed the demonstration, and arrested 11 demonstrators who were believed to be provocateurs.