The detention of three senior Indonesian police officers over alleged illegal wiretaps has raised questions about the force’s command, President Prabowo Subianto’s circle and police reform.
What investigators say happened
Police say the alleged interceptions ran from 2025 into 2026 and reached beyond Prabowo to officials, politicians, journalists, civil-society groups and businesspeople. Investigators say phone numbers were entered into the police’s Lawful Interception Management System without verification or a link to a criminal investigation, and files were later deleted. Police announced suspects by initials; Indonesian media identified them as former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, legal division head Ahrie Sonta Nasution and senior officer Eko Hadi Santoso. Investigators have not publicly described each person’s role.
The alleged method points to possible misuse of a tool built for police work. Police rules set procedures for interception, which investigators say were bypassed. Police say an officer who learned of the alleged wiretapping and file deletion reported it on October 30. The allegations still need to be established, including how the system was accessed, who ordered each step and what evidence remains.
The motive remains unknown
Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the inquiry was at an early stage and authorities had found no indication of treason. Officials have not explained whether the alleged surveillance was meant to gather political intelligence, monitor internal government discussions or serve another purpose. Those explanations remain speculation. If confirmed, the reported range of targets would raise privacy concerns for people outside government as well as questions about the president’s security.
Listyo led the National Police from 2021 until President Prabowo replaced him on October 1, 2026, and appointed him chief of presidential staff. The alleged surveillance period overlaps with Listyo’s time as police chief. The National Police is investigating its own senior figures under a new chief. That does not show the inquiry is compromised, but transparent procedures and independent scrutiny matter to public confidence.
A test for police reform
The case comes amid an unfinished debate over police accountability. Nationwide protests in August 2025, fueled in part by the death of a delivery rider struck by a police vehicle, prompted fresh demands for reform. Prabowo formed a police reform commission that November, with Listyo among its members. In May 2026, the commission submitted recommendations that included legal and regulatory changes, with some internal reforms expected by 2029. Allegations that senior officers bypassed surveillance rules now test whether reform can strengthen checks inside the force.
Investigators say they have questioned witnesses and experts, seized phones and other digital devices, and are still examining another person as a witness. They have announced no timeline for completing the inquiry. Their next task is to establish the scope, orders and motive. A criminal-law expert interviewed by Kompas urged transparent handling and independent oversight.