Indonesian authorities have mobilized thousands of police and military personnel to maintain order in Jakarta as former President Joko Widodo attends a court hearing. The security operation, involving 6,770 personnel deployed specifically for the event, occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension in the capital following a widespread wiretapping scandal involving senior police officers.
The ongoing investigation into the unauthorized surveillance has already resulted in the detention of three senior generals. Among those arrested is Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who had been appointed as chief of staff to President Prabowo Subianto just last month. Listyo previously held the position of national police chief during the administration of Widodo. Other high-ranking officials detained include the National Police Legal Division head, Insp. Gen. Ahrie Sonta Nasution, and Insp. Gen. Eko Hadi Santoso, a senior instructor at the National Police Education and Training Institute.
Police reports indicate that the unauthorized wiretapping operations occurred between 2025 and 2026, a period during which Listyo served as national police chief and after Prabowo had been elected. Allegations suggest that targets of this surveillance included not only President Prabowo but also Cabinet officials, various politicians, journalists, business executives, and leaders of civil society. While Widodo has not been directly implicated in the wiretapping investigation, his relationship with President Prabowo—once close allies—has faced increasing scrutiny due to signs of a widening rift since Prabowo assumed office.
Retired police Gen. Oegroseno, a former deputy national police chief, suggested on the Forum Keadilan TV podcast that investigators should explore all potential command structures behind the surveillance, including whether any directives originated from the former president. He stated that investigators should not hesitate to question a former president if the situation requires it, emphasizing that the motive behind the operation must be fully uncovered under current leadership.
Separately, the court appearance for Widodo relates to a defamation trial involving allegations that he used a fake university diploma, a matter distinct from the wiretapping case. Upon arriving at the East Jakarta District Court, the former president was greeted by hundreds of supporters. East Jakarta Police chief Alfian Nurrizal described the heavy security deployment as a precautionary measure, noting that the presence of forces would be adjusted based on conditions at the courthouse. Meanwhile, Indonesian armed forces spokesperson Maj. Gen. Muhammad Nas characterized the broader deployment of 20,000 troops to Jakarta as a normal occurrence, though authorities have confirmed that most personnel are being held in reserve at barracks rather than patrolling the streets.
Neither of the two have commented on the wiretapping case.
