The Indonesian government has indicated that Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the former National Police Chief arrested for allegedly wiretapping President Prabowo Subianto and several key figures, may be liable for treason and pose a threat to national security. Meanwhile, the government is preparing to remove him from his position as head of the presidential task force.
The Indonesian government stated that Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, former National Police Chief, may be guilty of treason due to allegations of involvement in wiretapping President Prabowo Subianto’s phone communications, as well as those of senior officials, politicians, journalists, civil society organizations, and businesspeople. He was arrested along with two other senior police officers on 3 Nov.
Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi revealed that these actions may constitute treason-related offenses because they could impact the country's security and interests, as well as endanger the safety of the nation's leader.
He added that President Prabowo is deeply concerned about the case, as the leader's communications contain sensitive information that could affect national security.
The Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency disclosed that the three suspects are accused of wiretapping telephone communications during 2025-2026 by inputting target phone numbers into the police’s communication interception management system without legal authority and without following lawful investigation procedures.
Asep Safrudin, head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency, stated that the wiretapping was unrelated to lawful duties. In October 2026, the suspects are also accused of deleting wiretap records to conceal evidence before an official aware of the matter reported the tip to the investigation agency on 30 October.
The other two suspects are Ahri Sonta and Eko Hadi Santoso, both holding the rank of Police Brigadier General.
All three face charges under the criminal code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law for unauthorized wiretapping, unlawful access to others’ computer systems, and unauthorized deletion of electronic data. The combined maximum prison sentence is 24 years. They are currently detained at a detention facility within the National Police headquarters in Jakarta.
Following the arrests, the government plans to issue a presidential order removing Police General Listyo from his position as head of the presidential task force, a role he was appointed to on 1 Oct after stepping down as National Police Chief, a position he held since 2021.
Pending the appointment of a permanent replacement, the government has appointed Major General Aryo Windutomo, a senior army officer, as acting head of the presidential task force.
Prasetyo stated the government has coordinated with current National Police Chief Police General Zuyu Ario Seto to ensure that public services and police operations continue normally despite the ongoing investigation.
Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that so far the investigation has found no evidence linking the wiretapping to an attempt to overthrow the government.
He said officials cannot yet disclose what conversations were wiretapped or the suspects’ motives, as the investigation is ongoing. He added that the president has been informed and has instructed law enforcement agencies to take strict legal action.
The government also plans to review the operations of several state agencies with authority and equipment to intercept communications, emphasizing that wiretapping must be conducted strictly within legal frameworks. Any unauthorized use of power beyond what the law permits will be considered a serious offense.
This case arises amid President Prabowo facing pressure over economic management and severe wildfires in the country. Earlier last month, he reshuffled his cabinet for the seventh time and appointed the former National Police Chief to a key position within the presidential office.