Corruption trial and sentencing of Sudewo in Pati Regency

The legal proceedings against Sudewo, the inactive Regent of Pati, progressed through the Semarang Corruption Court regarding allegations of bribery and gratification. The charges involve projects within the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation and alleged extortion related to the selection of village officials.

In September 2026, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) demanded an 8.5-year prison sentence and a 300 million IDR fine for Sudewo. At that time, Sudewo rejected the prosecution’s claims, arguing that testimonies did not prove his direct involvement or the receipt of funds.

By October 2026, the court held a verdict hearing. To manage the proceedings and potential crowds of supporters traveling from Pati, authorities deployed 1,610 personnel from various agencies, including the Central Java Regional Police, to secure the court premises.

On October 20, 2026, the Semarang Corruption Court sentenced Sudewo to eight years and six months in prison and imposed a fine of Rp300 million. The court also ordered him to pay Rp3,511,500,000 in state losses, noting that failure to pay could result in asset seizure or additional prison time. The court found that Sudewo abused his authority to receive bribes and gratifications totaling approximately Rp3.4 billion in the DJKA case and was involved in extortion practices uncovered by a KPK sting operation in January 2026. Following the verdict, members of the Pati United Community Alliance (AMPB) held celebrations in Pati, including fireworks and communal meals.