"Of course, Mr. President regrets the incident,” State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He informed that the President is monitoring the situation after the protest, which was sparked by Sudewo’s now-shelved plan to raise local land and building taxes by 250 percent and his perceived hostile remarks toward public opposition to the proposal.
Referring to the public’s outrage over those remarks, Hadi emphasized that the central government has repeatedly urged central and local officials to exercise prudence when communicating with the public.
“Especially when it comes to articulating policies that will have direct impacts on the public,” the minister said.
Hadi, who is also President Prabowo’s spokesperson, stressed that while the central government respects the protesters’ right to express their views, it is crucial for all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
“We have established communication with the district head and the Central Java governor (Ahmad Luthfi) to get updates on the situation. Hopefully, we will soon find the best solution,” he said.
Around one hundred thousand residents under the Alliance of the United People of Pati rallied in front of district head Sudewo’s office on Wednesday to push him to resign.
Although he had withdrawn his taxation plan amid backlash, protesters deemed him unfit to lead, describing his earlier comments -- that he would not roll back the plan even if thousands protested against it -- as arrogant.
Wednesday’s demonstration turned violent after Sudewo tried to speak to the crowd, who responded by hurling objects at him. Police shielded Sudewo and dispersed the masses. They also arrested 11 people suspected of instigating violence.
Related news: Govt warns officials against arrogance after Pati protests
Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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