Indonesia detains three senior officers over alleged presidential wiretapping
Indonesian police detained three senior officers over alleged unlawful interception of President Prabowo Subianto and other prominent people. Local media identified former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo among them. Investigators allege communications were intercepted outside lawful inquiries and files were later deleted. Authorities say the purpose of the alleged operation remains under investigation.
Geopolitics··Midday
Three officers detained in Jakarta
Indonesian police announced the detention of three senior officers over alleged unlawful interception of President Prabowo Subianto and other prominent people. They are being held at National Police headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital. Criminal investigation chief Asep Safrudin identified them by initials; local media identified former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo among the suspects. Listyo became presidential chief of staff after an October cabinet reshuffle.[1], [2]
Safrudin said officers reported the alleged activities on October 30. Citing witness accounts, he placed the interception in 2025 and 2026 and said it had no connection to lawful inquiries or investigations. Alleged targets included state officials, politicians, media figures, community leaders, nongovernmental organisations and businesspeople. He also alleged that intercepted files were deleted from the police communications system in October to conceal the operation.[1]
Police seize devices as inquiry continues
Police reported seizing 11 mobile phones, 1 iPad and 4 USB drives. The allegations concern unlawful interception, unauthorised electronic access and deletion of information, with maximum prison terms of 10, 6 and 8 years respectively. Legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the purpose of the alleged wiretapping remained under investigation. The detention and allegations have not established the suspects’ guilt in court.[1]
