JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed his chief of staff, former national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, after he was arrested on suspicion of illegally wiretapping the president and other prominent figures, according to Reuters.
The dismissal was confirmed on Wednesday, November 4, a day after Indonesian police named Listyo and two senior officers as suspects in an investigation into unauthorized surveillance.
Listyo, who led Indonesia’s National Police for five years before becoming presidential chief of staff in October, is accused of involvement in an operation that allegedly monitored communications belonging to government officials, politicians, journalists, businesspeople and civil society figures.
Police said the suspected surveillance took place between 2025 and 2026, but investigators have not disclosed a motive.
What Did Police Discover?
According to Indonesia’s Criminal Investigation Agency, known as Bareskrim, the suspects allegedly ordered telephone numbers to be entered into a police interception system without the required authorization or connection to legitimate criminal investigations.
Investigators also suspect that electronic records linked to the surveillance were ordered deleted in October 2026, potentially concealing evidence of the operation.
The investigation began after a police report was filed on October 30.
Police have questioned 10 witnesses and three experts and seized several electronic devices, including mobile phones, a tablet and flash drives.
Alongside Listyo, the two other suspects are Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso. All three have been detained while the investigation continues.
President Orders Dismissal
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that President Prabowo had signed a decree removing Listyo from his position as head of the Presidential Staff Office.
Lieutenant General Ariyo Windutomo, who heads the Presidential Secretariat, has been appointed acting chief of staff.
Prasetyo said the alleged surveillance could threaten national security and potentially amount to treason.
However, Indonesia’s coordinating law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said investigators had not established evidence supporting a treason allegation. The case is being handled under criminal and electronic information laws.
Listyo’s removal comes just weeks after he was appointed to the presidential role following his departure as national police chief.
What Happens Next?
Police are investigating alleged illegal interception, unauthorized access and the deletion of electronic evidence.
The suspects could face prison sentences of up to 10 years if convicted under the relevant provisions of Indonesian law.
Reuters reported that it was unable to immediately reach the suspects or their lawyers for comment.
Authorities have not publicly explained why the alleged surveillance was carried out, who may have benefited or whether other individuals were involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this article may contain minor inaccuracies
in names, locations, or event details. Readers are welcome to contact the editorial team for any clarification.