Former Indonesian Police Chief Named Suspect in Wiretapping Case
Bareskrim Polri has named a former National Police Chief and two high-ranking officials suspects for illegal wiretapping targeting President Prabowo.
Portal Islam 
This article was first published in Indonesian. Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia →
Bareskrim Polri (Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Agency) has officially named three suspects in a case involving alleged unauthorized wiretapping, the deletion of electronic data, and illegal access. Citing reports from BBC News Indonesia and CNN Indonesia on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, evening, one of the three suspects is a former Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri).
During a press conference at Mabes Polri (National Police Headquarters) in Jakarta, the Head of Criminal Investigation, Inspector General Asep Safrudin, announced the initials of the three suspects: LSP, ASN, and EH. According to CNN Indonesia reports, Presidential Chief of Staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo was named a suspect alongside high-ranking officers with the initials ASN and EH. Meanwhile, BBC News Indonesia reported that former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo is one of the suspects in this matter.
Chronology of the Investigation
Citing the BBC News Indonesia report, the case came to light following a report by a police officer on October 30, 2026, who discovered suspected illegal wiretapping, deletion of electronic data, and unauthorized access. Following up on the report, Bareskrim Polri immediately launched an investigation, examining 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses. Investigators also seized evidence consisting of 11 mobile phones, one iPad, and four flash drives.
In his explanation, Inspector General Asep Safrudin stated that between 2025 and 2026, the suspects allegedly ordered unauthorized wiretapping that violated official police procedures outlined in National Police Chief 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.
Government Response and Legal Steps
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, during a press conference at his office on Tuesday (3/11) night, stated that President Prabowo Subianto learned he had been wiretapped after being directly reported by National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto. Upon receiving the report, the President issued firm instructions.
“The President ordered us to take firm legal action in accordance with the provisions of the prevailing laws and to conduct an objective investigation,” Yusril said, as quoted by BBC News Indonesia.
Yusril added that wiretapping targeting the President of the Republic of Indonesia and several ministers constitutes a serious issue for the state, requiring prompt, objective, and transparent legal investigations.
Field Observations and Alleged Charges
Meanwhile, observations by Republika media at the Mako Brimob Kelapa Dua gates in Depok, West Java, noted two tactical vehicles (rantis) exiting the Mobile Brigade Headquarters on Tuesday (3/11/2026) night at around 20:20 WIB (UTC+7) following the press conference at Mabes Polri. The vehicles departed tightly sealed without special escorts or sirens.
For their actions, the suspects are charged under Article 258 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP), carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, as well as Article 332 paragraph 1 or paragraph 2 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the KUHP, carrying a 6-year prison sentence.
As Muslims, we are continually encouraged to uphold honesty, trust, and justice in all matters, both in community life and in carrying out state duties. This event serves as an important reminder to maintain integrity and professionalism for the betterment of the nation and the state.
