Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has named three senior police officers as suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping case. The investigation involves unauthorized interception, electronic data deletion, and illegal access.
The suspects include former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who now serves as Presidential Chief of Staff. The other two are National Police Legal Division Chief Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso.
Investigators allege that the suspects targeted phone numbers belonging to President Prabowo Subianto and other public figures. These included government officials, politicians, journalists, civil society leaders, and businesspeople. The alleged activities took place between 2025 and 2026.
How the Alleged Wiretapping Worked
According to Bareskrim Chief Commissioner General Asep Safrudin, several phone numbers entered the police’s Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS). However, investigators found that the entries lacked proper verification.
The interceptions also allegedly took place without formal investigative requests. Furthermore, they had no connection to law enforcement proceedings.
Investigators suspect the officers later deleted interception log files in October 2026. This move allegedly aimed to conceal evidence of the unauthorized activity.
Meanwhile, police have questioned 10 witnesses and three experts. Investigators have also examined another witness identified as SU.
Authorities seized 11 mobile phones, one iPad, and four flash drives as evidence. All three suspects are now detained at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta. They face multiple charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code and Electronic Information and Transactions Law. The offenses carry potential prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Police and Government Respond
National Police Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri stressed that the alleged actions involved individual officers. He denied that the wiretapping reflected official institutional policy.
“The matter currently under investigation concerns individual misconduct, not a policy of the National Police institution,” he said.
Separately, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed that President Prabowo had received a report about the alleged surveillance.
Yusril described the interception of a president and government ministers as a serious national issue. Nevertheless, he said preliminary findings showed no indication of an attempted coup or treason.
The government also plans to review the use of interception equipment across state institutions. The evaluation will involve the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) and the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. Institutions covered include the police, prosecutors, Corruption Eradication Commission, and National Narcotics Agency.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Commission III Chair Habiburokhman called for a transparent investigation. He urged law enforcement officials to handle the case professionally and objectively.
