Wiretap Scandal Tests Alliance Between Prabowo and Joko Widodo

A high-profile illegal wiretapping scandal has exposed growing political tensions in Indonesia, leading to the arrest and dismissal of presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo and several generals.

Authorities report that the surveillance, which targeted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and senior government officials, began after Prabowo took office in late 2024.

Former police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is no relation to the president, was arrested alongside three generals for allegedly intercepting the communications of Prabowo and other prominent figures without authorization.

The Indonesian presidential office formally dismissed Listyo following his arrest, and police are investigating possible treason charges against him. Minister Yusril stated that the investigation came after the national police received a tip, which its new chief investigated before reporting to Prabowo.

Scandal Tests Prabowo and Widodo Alliance While Troops Deploy to Jakarta

The scandal poses a severe test for the political alliance between Prabowo and former president Joko Widodo, whose backing secured Prabowo’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. Listyo is widely seen as a loyalist of Widodo. Political analysts warn that the situation could trigger a cabinet reshuffle as Prabowo seeks to consolidate his authority and reassess the composition of his administration.

The Indonesian military deployed nearly 21,000 troops to Jakarta to increase security in response to the crisis. Deputy house speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad separately told reporters that Prabowo held a meeting on Sunday with 10 former police chiefs that included discussion on the wiretapping scandal.

Unresolved Questions

While authorities have stated that business people, journalists, activists, and political figures were among those monitored, the identities of those targeted have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how many people were affected. Authorities have not yet revealed the full extent of the illegal wiretapping, and former president Joko Widodo offered only a brief public remark to reporters: We should all respect the ongoing legal process.