Sudewo Faces First Trial, Hundreds of Supporters Demand Former Pati Regent's Release

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEMARANG – Former Pati Regent Sudewo underwent his first trial as a defendant in an alleged extortion and village official position trading case at the Semarang Corruption Court, Central Java, on Monday (15/6/2026) morning. Outside the courthouse, hundreds of Sudewo’s supporters staged a protest and called for his acquittal.

The hundreds of supporters are members of Aksi Pati Bangkit (APB). During the protest, they carried posters and banners expressing support for Sudewo. Some of the messages read, ‘Free our leader. The people’s voice cannot be imprisoned’, ‘Our regent is innocent. Please return our development father’, and ‘Mr Sudewo is my best regent’.

APB coordinator Sutirto stated that the masses present in front of the Semarang Corruption Court were not mobilised, let alone paid. He claimed they came because their conscience called them to support Sudewo.

‘We bring three demands. First, free Mr Sudewo from the KPK’s charges. Second, clear Mr Sudewo’s name if the position trading is not proven. Third, bring Mr Sudewo home to lead Pati Regency,’ Sutirto said.

Sutirto accused the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) sting operation against Sudewo of being ‘orchestrated’. ‘It must be investigated who orchestrated the OTT against Mr Sudewo,’ he stated.