Former Pati Regent Sudewo’s Trial Triggers Mass Blockade of Prisoner Transport in Semarang

On 29 June 2026 the Jakarta Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) case against former Pati regent Sudewo was heard at the Tipikor court in Semarang, Central Java. The judges rejected Sudewo’s exception plea, allowing the corruption trial over alleged bribes linked to a railway‑project contract and village‑official appointments to continue.

Hundreds of Sudewo supporters gathered outside the courtroom, shouted slogans such as “Pak Sudewo tidak bersalah” and later blocked the prison‑transport vehicle as it attempted to leave for Semarang’s Rutan. Protesters claimed Sudewo had been assaulted by KPK guards, though officials said the reports were unverified. The police special‑forces unit (Brimob) was deployed to clear the area. After an apology was delivered to the crowd, the vehicle finally exited the court complex and proceeded to the detention centre.

Sudewo addressed his supporters, urging calm: “Semua masyarakat Pati saya harap tetap tenang dan kondusif. Hormati proses hukum yang berlaku.”