Tipikor Court Besieged by Sudewo Supporters, Police Take 1.5 Hours to Evacuate Former Pati Regent

Police officers took approximately 1.5 hours to evacuate a tactical vehicle (rantis) belonging to the Semarang Polrestabes carrying non-active Pati Regent Sudewo from the Tipikor Court in Semarang, Central Java, on Monday (29/6/2026). The drama unfolded after masses of Sudewo’s supporters blocked the vehicle as it was about to leave the court following a hearing with an interim decision agenda.

The crowd intercepted the vehicle transporting Sudewo after a prior scuffle between supporters and a detainee escort officer from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The commotion began when Sudewo was brought out of the courtroom around 10.15 a.m. local time towards a detention vehicle prepared in front of the court.

The KPK escort officer allegedly pulled Sudewo to get him into the detention vehicle while the non-active regent was attempting to greet his supporters. Following the scuffle, Sudewo was transferred to a Semarang Polrestabes tactical vehicle around 10.30 a.m. to be taken back to the Semarang Detention Centre. Supporters blocked the vehicle and demanded that the KPK officer, who they claimed had used excessive force, apologise. Police officers then negotiated with the coordinators of the supporters from Pati Regency.