Indonesian law enforcement officials have taken three senior police generals into custody following allegations that they conducted illegal wiretapping operations targeting President Prabowo Subianto and dozens of other high-profile figures. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Asep Safrudin, who heads the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency, during a news conference held at the force's headquarters in Jakarta.
The individuals currently detained at the National Police headquarters include the Presidential Chief of Staff, Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo; the head of the National Police Legal Division, Insp. Gen. Ahrie Sonta Nasution; and Insp. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, who serves as a senior instructor at the National Police Education and Training Institute. Authorities stated that the suspects are under investigation for unauthorized access to electronic systems, illegal interception of communications, and the deletion of electronic data.
According to Asep Safrudin, the illicit surveillance operation allegedly took place between 2025 and 2026. Investigators claim the suspects bypassed standard procedures established by a 2010 National Police regulation, entering multiple phone numbers into the Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS) without the required verification. Furthermore, officials allege that the suspects ordered the deletion of intercepted communication files from the LIMS system in a bid to conceal evidence and erase the operation's trail. The investigation has so far involved questioning 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses, with police seizing 11 mobile phones, an iPad, and four flash drives as evidence.
The targets of this alleged wiretapping reportedly included state officials, political figures, media representatives, community leaders, NGO activists, and businesspeople, in addition to the president himself. Despite these serious claims, neither President Prabowo nor the three detained officers have issued a public response. A spokesperson for the Presidential Chief of Staff’s office was also unavailable for comment.
While the inquiry remains ongoing, authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the surveillance. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, stated that investigators have not found any evidence of treason. However, the suspects face significant legal charges. Under Article 258 of Indonesia's new Criminal Code, they could face up to 10 years in prison for the unlawful monitoring and interception of electronic communications. Additional charges under Article 332 of the Criminal Code and Article 32 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law carry maximum penalties of six and eight years in prison, respectively.
