Former Pati Regent Sudewo Faces First Corruption Trial Amid Mass Support in Semarang

Former Pati Regent (non‑active) Sudewo appeared in court for his first hearing on 15 June 2026 at the Tipikor court in Semarang. He is charged with two corruption cases: alleged extortion related to the appointment of village officials in Pati and a suspected bribe involving a railway project of the Directorate General of Railways. The court is expected to merge the two dossiers and also try three village heads linked to the village‑official case.

Police prepared extensive security measures, mapping potential crowd movements and readying layered response plans. Thousands of supporters gathered under the banner “Aksi Pati Bangkit,” demanding Sudewo’s release, displaying slogans and banners, and chanting “Bebaskan Sudewo!” The crowd was escorted by police while Sudewo, handcuffed and wearing an orange detention vest, smiled and waved to his supporters as he was led to the courtroom.

The case highlights ongoing challenges of local‑government corruption in Indonesia and the public’s readiness to mobilise in defense of regional political figures.