Indonesia considers palace sweep after alleged illegal wiretapping

Indonesia will tighten controls on government surveillance equipment and consider searching the Presidential Palace for hidden listening devices following allegations that President Prabowo Subianto, senior officials and other public figures were illegally wiretapped.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Monday, 9 November 2026, that the government was reviewing the use of interception equipment by state institutions to prevent its misuse.

Asked whether authorities would conduct a security sweep of the Presidential Palace for covert electronic devices, Yusril said it was a measure the government would consider.

"It is something we will consider as an anticipation measure," he said, according to Reuters.

"The government is also taking steps to ensure that, in the future, the wiretapping equipment held by certain agencies is not misused," he added.

The proposed measures follow a police investigation into alleged unauthorised interception of telephone communications involving Prabowo and other individuals. Four senior police officers have been named as suspects, including former national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was recently appointed head of the Presidential Staff Office.

Four police officers named as suspects

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has named four police personnel as suspects in the alleged wiretapping case.

They are identified by their initials as LSP, AS, EH and SU. The first three include former national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Police Legal Division chief Ahrie Sonta Nasution and Inspector-General Eko Hadi Santoso, a senior police training official.

Police said the alleged surveillance took place between 2025 and 2026 and involved telephone numbers belonging to the president, government officials, political figures, journalists, activists, businesspeople and non-governmental organisations.

Investigators are examining allegations that interception was conducted without the required procedures and that electronic records were deleted in October 2026 to conceal evidence.

The case involves alleged violations of Indonesia's Criminal Code and Electronic Information and Transactions Law, including illegal interception and unauthorised access to electronic systems.

The four officers have been named as suspects, but the investigation remains ongoing and their guilt has not been established by a court.

Government reviews surveillance procedures

Yusril said the government would evaluate regulations and procedures governing the use of interception equipment by state institutions.

He said the review would involve coordination with the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs and agencies responsible for surveillance and cybersecurity, including the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN).

Several Indonesian institutions have legal authority to conduct wiretapping for specific purposes, including the National Police, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Attorney General's Office and National Narcotics Agency.

However, Yusril stressed that surveillance must comply with applicable laws and regulations. He also proposed strengthening external supervision of equipment held by government agencies, suggesting that BSSN could undertake the oversight role.

The minister said authorities were examining whether the alleged interception could also involve offences against the state, including treason under Articles 191, 192 and 193 of Indonesia's Criminal Code.

He said investigators would determine whether evidence supported those allegations. The government would not establish a separate special task force, leaving the investigation to Bareskrim.

Prabowo orders transparent investigation

President Prabowo has instructed the National Police to investigate the allegations objectively and transparently.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi conveyed the instruction during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 4 November.

"The President has instructed the Chief of Police to ensure that the matter is handled as thoroughly as possible, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and as objectively as possible, without anything being concealed," Prasetyo said.

He confirmed that the alleged targets included the president, ministers, political party leaders and community organisation figures.

Prabowo subsequently signed a presidential decree dismissing Listyo Sigit from his position as Presidential Chief of Staff following the case. Lieutenant-General Ariyo Windutomo was appointed acting head of the office.

Prabowo meets former police chiefs

On Sunday, 8 November, Prabowo met ten former national police chiefs and current National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java.

According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on current issues and share experiences from different periods of police leadership.

Those attending included former police chiefs Da'i Bachtiar, Sutanto, Bambang Hendarso Danuri, Timur Pradopo, Sutarman, Badrodin Haiti and Tito Karnavian.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Indonesian Military Commander General Agus Subiyanto also attended.

The Cabinet Secretariat did not specify whether the wiretapping investigation was discussed.

Parliament calls for wider investigation

The case has prompted members of the House of Representatives (DPR) to call for investigators to establish whether other individuals ordered or benefited from the alleged surveillance.

Sarifuddin Sudding, a member of Commission III, which oversees legal affairs and law enforcement, said the investigation should not be limited to personnel suspected of directly conducting the interceptions.

He called for investigators to examine the possible involvement of other parties and establish the motives behind the alleged surveillance.

Commission III has scheduled a working meeting with National Police Chief Suyudi for 12 November to discuss the case, including the individuals involved and their motives.

The government has said the police investigation will continue while authorities review surveillance procedures and consider additional security measures at the Presidential Palace.