Supporters Riot as Court Rejects Former Pati Regent Sudewo's Plea; He Denies Being a 'Tyrannical Leader'

The trial of former Pati Regent Sudewo at the Semarang Corruption Court, Central Java, was marred by a riot on Monday (29/6/2026). The incident occurred after Sudewo’s court session concluded and he was about to be taken back to the Semarang Class I Detention Centre. During the session, the panel of judges decided to reject the preliminary objection filed by Sudewo. Consequently, the examination of the alleged corruption case involving Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) projects and extortion of village officials implicating Sudewo will continue. After the trial, Sudewo was immediately escorted to the prison van parked in the lobby area of the Semarang Corruption Court. Thousands of supporters had gathered in front of the court to show support for the Gerindra Party politician. Before entering the prison van, officers allowed Sudewo to briefly address his supporters. ‘The people of Pati are praying for you, sir. Regent Sudewo is not guilty,’ shouted one supporter through a loudspeaker. Speaking to the crowd, Sudewo denied the charges brought against him by KPK prosecutors. ‘I have never engaged in the buying and selling of positions,’ Sudewo said. He then asserted that he was not a tyrannical leader and had always prioritised the development of Pati Regency. After making these remarks, Sudewo was led to the prison van. However, the crowd refused to give way and blockaded the gate. ‘Don’t let them pass,’ an orator shouted over a loudspeaker. Despite the obstruction, the prison van attempted to move forward slowly under the guard of dozens of police officers. The crowd, refusing to yield, began banging on the vehicle, shouting, ‘Free Pak Sudewo,’ in front of the courthouse.