The impeachment motion was proposed as Sudewo's leadership came under national scrutiny due to his controversial policies, including 250 per cent local tax hikes, that fuelled public anger and protest on August.
According to Pati District DPRD Speaker Ali Badrudin, 36 out of 49 legislators from six party fractions voted to recommend leadership improvements to Sudewo. Meanwhile, only one party fraction voted for impeachment.
"Two-thirds of the votes, equal to 33 votes, are required for the impeachment motion to pass. However, six factions voted for policy improvement recommendations," Badrudin stated after the plenary session here.
The voting result means that Pati DPRD will cease its impeachment process, he said, adding that District Head Sudewo, the Central Java Governor, and the Home Minister will be notified about the decision.
The DPRD Speaker urged Pati residents to accept the legislature’s decision. He added that Sudewo had reaffirmed his commitment before DPRD legislators to improve his governance following public uproar over his policies.
On August 13, 2025, the Pati District DPRD established a special inquiry commission to investigate Sudewo’s leadership following mass protests over his now-shelved plan to raise local land and building taxes by 250 per cent and his reportedly hostile remarks toward public opposition.
His dismissive attitude toward criticism, coupled with corruption allegations involving Rp3 billion in seized funds, has intensified calls for his impeachment among residents, to which the parliament responded with the inquiry commission.
During Friday’s plenary session, the commission reported 12 leadership failings and controversies by Sudewo, ranging from the proposed tax hike, the controversial dismissal of Pati Regional Hospital (RSUD) staff and appointment of the regional secretary, and the failure to maintain neutrality in managing the district’s Alms Agency.
Following the report, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction in the Pati DPRD called for the district head’s impeachment. However, all other party factions instead recommended measures to improve leadership and governance.
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Translator: Akhmad Nazaruddin, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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