Indonesia wiretapping probe: Police detain three senior generals over alleged illegal taps

Indonesian police said three senior police generals were detained over suspected illegal wiretapping. Investigators alleged the monitoring targeted President Prabowo Subianto and many other influential figures. Police said the case involved unauthorised access to electronic systems and the removal of digital records. Authorities said the investigation was continuing and no motive was shared.

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Asep Safrudin, head of the National Polices Criminal Investigation Agency, said the suspects were held in custody. Safrudin said all three were placed at the National Police headquarters detention centre. Police said the inquiry covered illegal interception, unauthorised system access, and deletion of electronic data. Officials said no public responses had come from Prabowo or suspects.

Indonesian police wiretapping case: Who was detained

Police named the suspects as Presidential Chief of Staff Gen Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Police also identified National Police Legal Division head Inspector Gen Ahrie Sonta Nasution. The third suspect was Insp Gen Eko Hadi Santoso, an instructor at the National Police Education and Training Institute. A spokesperson for the Presidential Chief of Staffs office could not be reached for comment.

Indonesian police wiretapping case: Allegations and targets

The suspects are alleged to have carried out nonprocedural or illegal tapping against the telephone numbers of the president of the Republic of Indonesia, state officials, political figures, media figures, community leaders, NGO activists and businesspeople, Safrudin told a news conference at national police headquarters in Jakarta late Tuesday.

Police alleged the unauthorised wiretapping happened between 2025 and 2026. Investigators said the suspects ordered interceptions without required steps under a 2010 National Police regulation. Safrudin said several phone numbers were entered into the Lawful Interception Management System, or LIMS, without verification. Police said this bypassed checks meant to control lawful monitoring.

Indonesian police wiretapping case: Evidence and LIMS claims

Safrudin said police interviewed 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses during the inquiry. Investigators also seized items for examination, including 11 mobile phones. Police said an iPad and four flash drives were also taken as evidence. Authorities said the seized devices could help confirm how the interceptions were requested and managed.

Safrudin said the suspects recently ordered files to be erased from the LIMS system. Police alleged the deleted records contained intercepted communications. Investigators said the removals were meant to hide evidence and remove traces of the activity. Police have not disclosed the aim of the alleged operation, and said the inquiry remained ongoing.

Indonesian police wiretapping case: Charges and prison terms

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said investigators found no sign of treason. Mahendra said the suspects would be charged under Article 258 of Indonesias new Criminal Code. The article covers unlawful interception and monitoring of nonpublic electronic communications, with up to 10 years in prison.

Mahendra said the suspects also face Article 332 charges, with a maximum six-year penalty. Another charge cited was Article 32 of Indonesias Electronic Information and Transactions Law. That law covers unauthorised alteration, destruction, deletion, transfer, or concealment of electronic information. Police said the case remained under investigation, and no motive was released.

With inputs from PTI