Jakarta, Aug. 14 -- The Indonesian government has urged regional leaders to prioritize public interests when drafting policies, particularly those on taxes and retributions.

"I appeal to regional leaders to ensure that tax and retribution policies do not become a burden on the people," Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said in Jakarta on Thursday.

His remarks followed public outrage over Pati district head Sudewo's plan to raise land and building taxes by 250 percent - a move that sparked mass protests on Wednesday, some turning violent.

Karnavian called on local heads to act prudently when setting tax object sales values (NJOP) so as not to harm residents. He also advised against rushing new policies, stressing the need for publ...