Indonesia has been rocked by one of its biggest political and police scandals in recent years. President Prabowo Subundo has dismissed presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo immediately after he was arrested on charges of illegally wiretapping phone calls of the head of state, cabinet ministers, politicians, and journalists. According to the president's official spokesman, such actions can be classified as high treason and pose a threat to national security.
Arrest and Dismissal: Chronology of Events
According to data presented at a press conference in Jakarta on November 4, presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi stated that «what happened can be classified as high treason» and that this surveillance could threaten national security. Listyo Sigit Prabowo had served as the Chief of the National Police since 2021 during the presidency of Joko Widodo, after which he was appointed chief of staff to the current president. His arrest and subsequent dismissal have been assessed by observers as one of the most high-profile incidents in the history of the Indonesian police.
Three Suspects and Potential Charges
Late in the evening on November 3, Criminal Investigation Agency chief Asep Sahrudin reported that three individuals had been questioned in the case: Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Major General Ari Sonta Nasution — a former presidential aide, and Major General Eko Hadi Santoso. According to him, all three were interrogated in connection with «the use of and access to an unauthorized wiretapping management system». Police indicated that the suspects could face charges of illegal wiretapping, unauthorized access to electronic systems, and deletion of electronic information, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Asep Sahrudin added that an internal investigation in 2025–2026 revealed that a number of phone numbers had been entered into the system illegally as they had no connection to any official investigation, and that the suspects had given instructions in October to delete CCTV footage «to leave no trace of their illegal activities».
«A Serious Matter for the Country»: Government Stance
At a separate press conference, Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra called the incident «a serious matter for the country» and emphasized that the act was directed against «the highest official in the country». He confirmed that President Prabowo was fully informed of the developments. Thus, at the government level, the scandal was framed as an issue not only of discipline but also of defending the constitutional order.
Political Context: Rift with Jokowi
Observers link the scandal to a deepening rift between incumbent President Prabowo and his predecessor Joko Widodo. Listyo Sigit Prabowo has long-standing ties to both leaders, which analysts say gives the incident a heavy political undertone. Muradi, a professor of political and security studies at Padjadjaran University and a former advisor to two National Police chiefs, told This Week in Asia that the arrest of the three police officers is a sign of a «total purge» campaign aimed at eliminating Listyo's influence within the police ranks.
Pressure on Prabowo's Approval Rating
The scandal erupted at a difficult time for President Prabowo, whose domestic political standing is under pressure from slowing economic growth, the risk of a credit rating downgrade, and ongoing public protests related to smog air pollution. Recent polls show Prabowo's approval rating has plunged sharply after two years in office, making any major scandal within his inner circle particularly sensitive for his political prospects.
