Indonesia’s former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo has been dismissed as President Prabowo Subianto’s chief of staff after allegations that the president and other senior figures were subjected to phone surveillance. Listyo and two other senior police officers were arrested on Tuesday. The presidential office said he may have committed treason.
Listyo was appointed chief of staff in October, after serving as police chief for five years. Investigators allege that the surveillance took place in 2025 and 2026 and targeted not only the president but also cabinet members, journalists, representatives of non-governmental organisations and businesspeople. The suspects allegedly entered phone numbers into an automated interception system, then deleted the recordings.
Indonesia’s criminal investigation chief said the surveillance had been carried out “without any legal basis,” according to Antara. Authorities have not stated a motive. A presidential office spokesperson said the case involved sensitive information and described treason as conduct that threatens state interests, including the security of the head of state. Treason is punishable by death in Indonesia.
The suspects are initially being investigated over illegal surveillance, unauthorised access to electronic systems and the deletion of electronic data. The case came to light after an official approached authorities in late October.
The arrests coincided with the deployment of security forces in Jakarta, prompting speculation. The military described the presence of around 20,000 troops as routine. Students had held protests in the capital the previous week, including calls to declare recent forest fires a national disaster.
Sources: FAZ.