In a display of public discontent, thousands of angry residents in Pati took to the streets to reject the exorbitant rise last week. Dozens of protestors were injured as riot police were deployed to maintain order.

The public's demands quickly escalated to a call for Sudewo’s resignation, driven by a growing loss of trust and a strong rejection of what they perceive as his arrogant leadership style. When faced with a planned protest of 5,000 people, the regent responded with a provocative statement that further inflamed public sentiment.

"Go ahead with your protest, whether it's 5,000 or even 50,000 people, I won't be afraid," he said. "I will move forward with the tax increase and won't back down, not even a single step." This defiant stance, coupled with the region's heavy reliance on central government funding, fueled the massive public rejection of his administration.

The uprising serves as a powerful message to leaders at all levels of government about the importance of public trust and consultation. Sudewo’s fatal mistake was his failure to consult the public and properly explain his plan.

Sudewo unveiled his proposal to raise the tax to officials under his chain of command. He was upset upon discovering that in 2024 the regency managed to collect only Rp 29 billion (US$1.78 million) in land and building tax, one of a few sources of revenue local governments can raise under regional autonomy. Neighboring regencies like Japara, Rembang and Kudus fare much better than Pati on this front, despite their relatively similar capacities.

The financial context of Pati underscores the challenges facing many local governments in Indonesia. This year's budget for the regency was set at Rp 2.84 trillion, yet local revenue accounted for less than one fifth of that total, with the rest coming from the central government’s transfers.

According to Sudewo, the property tax revenue for this year was less than Rp 36 billion, a small fraction of the overall regional budget. This financial dependence is set to worsen, as the draft 2026 state budget plans to slash regional transfers by nearly 25 percent, placing immense pressure on local leaders like Sudewo to find alternative revenue sources.

The "people power" movement in Pati has set a significant precedent that could influence other regions, especially amid rising public resentment over the country's economic challenges. While Regent Sudewo, a politician from President Prabowo Subianto's ruling Gerindra Party, has vowed not to resign, his moral authority has been severely damaged. His noble intent to create a prosperous Pati has been undermined by a clear lack of communication skills and an unwillingness to set aside his ego.

Sudewo’s attempt to cling to power is facing another test as the regional legislative council has moved to exercise its right to investigate his policies, especially the controversial property tax rise. This political move could lead to an impeachment with the approval of the Supreme Court, according to the 2014 Regional Government Law. Then-Garut, West Java, regent Aceng Fikri was impeached in 2013 after he married a minor, while dozens of other regional heads have lost their posts due to corruption.

Sudewo may survive the political maneuver, but the Pati protest has taught politicians, both at the central and regional levels, a dear lesson about empathy for the people’s grievances and statesmanship. Listening to and respecting the people's voice is essential for effective governance.