Indonesia Uncovers Alleged Spy Operation Targeting President, Arrests Three
A suspected phone surveillance operation targeting Indonesia’s president has triggered a major security investigation, with authorities arresting three people over allegations that they illegally monitored the communications of the country’s leader and other prominent figures.
Police announced the arrests on Tuesday, identifying the suspects only by their initials as LSP, ASN and EH.
Top detective Asep Safrudin said the investigation centred on the alleged interception of President Prabowo Subianto’s phone number, alongside those belonging to government officials, politicians, journalists, non-governmental organisation representatives and business executives.
According to the police, the alleged surveillance was carried out without legal authorisation or any formal investigative procedure permitted under Indonesian law.
The case came to light after a police officer who reportedly uncovered the suspected operation filed a complaint on Friday.
Investigators have since questioned 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses, while seizing 11 mobile phones, an iPad and four flash drives as part of the probe.
Justice Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra separately disclosed that one of the suspects, identified as LSP, is an active general.
Indonesian media reports have linked the initials to Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was appointed the president’s chief of staff about a month ago after serving as national police chief for five years. He is not related to President Prabowo and holds the rank of general.
The suspects could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The development comes as President Prabowo, who assumed office in 2024, faces growing scrutiny over his administration’s handling of economic challenges and devastating wildfires across the Southeast Asian nation.
