UGM Student Leader, Putri Gus Dur, and Former Police Official Support Activists in Pati Court
Pati, Central Java – A number of prominent figures attended the Pati District Court on Thursday, March 5, 2026, to witness the verdict in the case of Supriyono, alias Botok, and Teguh Istiyanto, two activists from the United Pati Community Alliance (AMPB). Among those present were Tiyo Ardianto, Chairman of the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) Student Executive Council (BEM), and Inayah Wahid, daughter of former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).
Solidarity and Concerns Over Criminalization
Inayah Wahid stated her presence was to show support and solidarity with Botok and Teguh, and to advocate for the community’s right to voice concerns without fear of criminalization. “Yes, we support it so that the people can still have a voice, not be criminalized a little bit. This is their right, the people,” she said, as reported by detik.com.
Context of the Case
The case stems from demonstrations on August 13, 2025, triggered by a 250 percent tax increase, and the subsequent efforts to impeach Pati Regent Sudewo on October 31, 2025. The defendants are accused of blocking Jalan Pantura Pati-Rembang during a demonstration related to the impeachment proceedings.
Law Enforcement as a Tool of Power?
Tiyo Ardianto expressed concern that law enforcement was being used as a tool to suppress dissent. “Together with the other BEM Chairmen, we are in solidarity because law enforcement is actually a tool of power when it comes to silencing its people,” he stated, according to LingkarTV.
Allegations of Double Standards
Tiyo Ardianto drew a comparison between the defendants and Sudewo, who is now a suspect in a corruption case investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He likened Botok and Teguh to “angels” fighting against a “devil,” arguing they should be praised for opposing corruption rather than facing criminal charges. He stated, “Mr Sudewo has been proven to be corrupt through the KPK OTT, from here we see that in the position of the world of devils and angels, Mr Sudewo is the devil and Mr Botok and Teguh together with AMPB are the angels,” as reported by NU Online Jateng.
Concerns Over Road Blockage Charges
Tiyo also questioned the use of charges related to blocking the road, suggesting such actions should be understood within the context of democratic protest. He argued that criminalizing peaceful demonstrations would be a dangerous precedent. “If every time you close a road you have to be criminalized, then not only Mas Botok, but those who are holding the recitation will also be arrested,” he said.
Call for Release
Tiyo Ardianto called for the release of Botok and Teguh without any guilty verdict. The public prosecutor had previously recommended a 10-month prison sentence for each defendant, as reported by Tribun Jateng.
Former Deputy Chief of Police, Oegroseno, and prominent cleric, Cak Sholeh, were also present at the court to show their support.