Indonesian authorities have launched a treason investigation after it emerged that President Prabowo Subianto may have been a target of an illegal wiretapping operation. The probe centers on Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the president’s chief of staff, who was arrested on Tuesday alongside two senior police officers.
Arrests and Alleged Surveillance
Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is not related to the president despite sharing a surname, was dismissed from his post shortly after his detention. He is accused of using the national police’s electronic surveillance system to intercept phone calls without a warrant or proper case report. Authorities state the operation likely began in 2025, when Listyo served as the national police chief.
A spokesperson for the president described the alleged actions as treason, noting that the interception of sensitive information could endanger national sovereignty. In Indonesia, treason carries a penalty of life imprisonment or the death penalty, although the country has not carried out an execution in ten years.
Police identified a fourth suspect, Slamet Uliandi of the criminal investigation unit, but did not detain him due to recent health issues. The investigation was triggered by a tip-off from a police officer last week. Officials confirmed that the surveillance network extended beyond the president to include politicians, journalists, business leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
Political Rift Between Leaders
The scandal has intensified perceptions of a growing divide between President Prabowo and his predecessor, Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi. Jokowi, who served as president from 2014 to 2024, had backed Prabowo’s 2024 campaign. Their alliance also brought Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, into the vice presidency.
Observers note that Listyo Sigit Prabowo was a key figure in Jokowi’s administration and is viewed as a close ally of the former president. Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, told BBC Indonesian that Listyo’s position was historically close to Jokowi, suggesting the two camps are now moving in separate directions.
Tensions have been visible in policy shifts. Prabowo has deprioritized Jokowi’s flagship project to build a new capital city, Nusantara, redirecting resources toward a national free school meal program. Recent personnel changes have also moved many of Jokowi’s allies into different roles within the government.
Compounding the political instability, Vice President Gibran faces scrutiny over the validity of his high school credentials, a requirement for his candidacy. Meanwhile, Prabowo’s administration is grappling with economic uncertainty, severe wildfires, and allegations of stock market manipulation.
When asked about the wiretapping incident, Jokowi told reporters that all parties should respect the ongoing legal process. Police chief Suyudi Ario Seto stated that the investigation is strictly a law enforcement matter and unrelated to political rivalries. However, public frustration is mounting, with recent protests highlighting concerns over cost of living, corruption, and environmental pollution.
Source: BBC
