Former Indonesia Police Chief Named Suspect in Illegal Wiretapping
Indonesia's National Police have named former Chief of Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two other generals as suspects in an illegal wiretapping case.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Indonesia's National Police headquarters (Mabes Polri) has named three generals as suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping and electronic data deletion case, including former Chief of Police (Kapolri) General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. According to reports cited from CNN Indonesia and BBC News Indonesia on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the announcement was made by the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) during a press conference in Jakarta.
According to BBC News Indonesia, the Head of Bareskrim Polri, Inspector General Asep Safrudin, revealed that the three suspects have the initials LSP, ASN, and EH. All three suspects have currently been detained at the Mabes Polri detention center for further investigation.
Chronology and Modus Operandi of the Wiretapping
As cited from BBC News Indonesia, the case came to light following a report filed by a police officer on October 30, 2026, who discovered alleged illegal wiretapping, electronic data deletion, and unauthorized access. Bareskrim Polri subsequently launched an investigation, examining 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses, while seizing evidence consisting of 11 mobile phones, one iPad, and four flash drives.
Between 2025 and 2026, the suspects allegedly ordered wiretapping operations outside the procedures stipulated in the National Police regulations under Police Regulation (Perkapolri) Number 5 of 2010. Several telephone numbers were entered into the lawful interception management system (LIMS) server without verification and without any relation to legitimate law enforcement duties.
“The suspects are suspected of carrying out unauthorized wiretapping or illegal taping of the telephone numbers of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.”
Inspector General Asep Safrudin
Aside from the President, those targeted by the wiretapping reportedly included government officials, political figures, media outlets, civil society organizations, NGOs, and business figures. In October 2026, the suspects also allegedly ordered the deletion of intercepted files to cover their tracks.
Government Response and Presidential Directives
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that President Prabowo Subianto learned he was being wiretapped after being informed by National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto. Based on a report titled Bareskrim Polri Names Three Police Personnel as Suspects in Illegal Wiretapping, the President immediately issued firm instructions.
“The President ordered decisive legal action to be taken in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations, alongside an objective investigation,” Yusril stated during a press conference at his office on Tuesday night, November 3, as cited by BBC News Indonesia.
The suspects face charges under Article 258 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP) carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence, as well as Article 332 paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the KUHP carrying a potential 6-year sentence.
Troop Deployments and Military Response
Amidst these legal developments, the public was also stirred by news regarding a large-scale troop deployment to the Jakarta capital region. Based on reports from Republika and CNN Indonesia, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) confirmed the deployment of security personnel from the Indonesian Navy's Marine Corps to Jakarta.
The Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Muhammad Nas, explained to Republika on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, that the troop deployment is a routine measure undertaken by the TNI to maintain preparedness in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
“There is no need to link this to any issues whatsoever. And there is nothing to worry about either,” Nas emphasized to Republika, adding that the deployment was purely for the execution of state duties in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
Perspectives and Wisdom
As Muslims, we are consistently taught to uphold honesty, trustworthiness, and justice in every aspect of life, including in the execution of state duties and authorities. Objective, transparent, and fair law enforcement constitutes an essential pillar for preserving peace and collective well-being within society.
يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوَّامِيْنَ لِلّٰهِ شُهَدَاۤءَ بِالْقِسْطِۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَاٰنُ قَوْمٍ عَلٰٓى اَلَّا تَعْدِلُوْا ۗاِعْدِلُوْاۗ هُوَ اَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوٰىۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ خَبِيْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ﴿٨﴾
O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
Qur'an, Surah Al-Maaida [5]: 8 (Sahih International)
May Allah protect the nation and state of Indonesia from all forms of harm, and bestow His divine guidance (taufiq and hidayah) upon our leaders and law enforcement officers so that they remain steadfast on the path of truth.
