INDONESIAN police have gathered sufficient preliminary evidence to investigate four individuals over alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto’s communications, including possible elements of treason.
National Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto disclosed the development when briefing members of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday, amid allegations that the surveillance operation extended to senior government officials, politicians and civil society figures.
According to Reuters, the investigation involves four senior police officers, including former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was dismissed from his position as Presidential Chief of Staff.
Suyudi said the alleged illegal surveillance also targeted government officials, lawmakers, politicians, governors, anti-corruption activists and students.
Preliminary findings indicate that the interception operation was conducted between 2025 and 2026, while Listyo was still heading the National Police.
Several recordings of telephone conversations involving Prabowo were allegedly deleted in an attempt to destroy evidence after the operation was exposed.
Authorities have seized 11 mobile phones, an iPad and four USB drives believed to contain information related to the alleged surveillance operation.
Police are now working to establish who ordered the interception and determine the motives behind it.
Investigation spokesman Asep Safrudin said authorities were conducting an intensive probe to strengthen the case before deciding on appropriate charges, including possible treason and unauthorised interception of communications.
The case has raised concerns over potential abuse of power and access to classified state information, given the alleged involvement of senior figures within the country's security establishment.
Speculation has also emerged over Listyo's close ties with former president Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, who appointed him National Police Chief in 2021.
However, authorities have yet to establish any involvement by Jokowi in the alleged operation, despite the scandal highlighting reported tensions between him and Prabowo. - November 12, 2026
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