Unprecedented Breach: The Investigation into the Alleged Illegal Wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto

JAKARTA – The Indonesian political landscape has been rocked by a seismic security scandal involving the alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto. As the National Police (Polri) intensify their investigation into what is being described as a deep-rooted breach of national security, prominent legal figures and civil society leaders are calling for uncompromising accountability.

Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK), Jimly Asshiddiqie, has emerged as a vocal proponent for a thorough, no-holds-barred investigation. Speaking at the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Asshiddiqie urged the current National Police Chief, General Suyudi Ario Seto, to dismantle the network responsible for the espionage until the very "roots" are exposed.

The Scope of the Allegations

The scandal centers on the covert surveillance of the President, an act that strikes at the heart of the nation’s democratic stability. According to official police disclosures, the illegal wiretapping operations allegedly commenced in 2025 and continued under a veil of secrecy until their recent discovery.

The gravity of the situation is reflected in the high-profile individuals currently held as suspects. Among those detained are former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with two high-ranking officers, Inspector General Ahrie Sonta and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso. Additionally, Inspector General Slamet Uliandi has been implicated in the operation, sending shockwaves through the ranks of the Indonesian National Police.

Chronology of the Breach and Subsequent Investigation

The timeline of this unfolding crisis suggests a sophisticated operation that operated within the shadows of the security apparatus.

• 2025: Initial evidence suggests that the illegal wiretapping activities against President Prabowo Subianto began during this period.
• November 5, 2026: The National Police publicly acknowledged the severity of the public concern. Karo Penmas of the Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, confirmed that the National Police Chief had established a specialized task force to investigate the matter.
• Early November 2026: The investigation gained momentum as the special task force, led by Commissioner General Asep Safrudin, began formalizing charges against the implicated high-ranking officers.
• November 8, 2026: Legal experts, including Jimly Asshiddiqie, publicly supported the aggressive stance taken by the current police leadership, emphasizing that the judicial process will be the ultimate arbiter of truth.

Legal Implications and the Threat of Treason

The legal ramifications for those involved are severe. As the investigation transitions from the discovery phase to potential litigation, the focus is shifting toward the underlying motives of the surveillance.

The Question of "Makar" (Treason)

During his address on Sunday, Jimly Asshiddiqie highlighted that while the initial charges carry a 10-year prison sentence, the court may eventually need to consider the more serious charge of makar (treason).

"In the court forum, the motives will be revealed," Asshiddiqie stated. "We must ask: was the intent to assassinate the President? Was it to render him incapacitated and unable to lead the government? Or was it an act of betrayal against the interests of the state? If any of these are proven, the charges could escalate to treason, which carries the possibility of the death penalty."

Asshiddiqie noted that while the 10-year sentencing tier is already well-supported by preliminary evidence, the transition to a capital crime requires a higher standard of evidentiary proof. He expressed confidence that the judicial process would meticulously sift through the technical data and testimonies to determine the full scope of the criminality.

The Special Task Force: A Test of Institutional Integrity

The formation of the special task force led by Commissioner General Asep Safrudin serves as a critical litmus test for the National Police. The involvement of former top-ranking officials in such a sensitive case poses a significant challenge to the internal integrity of the institution.

Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko emphasized that the leadership of the National Police is fully aware of the public’s scrutiny. "The National Police Chief has closely observed, followed, and listened to the various issues and developments related to this information, which has become a matter of public concern," he stated during a press briefing at the Mabes Polri in Jakarta.

The mandate of the task force is clear: to operate with total transparency and to ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference from the factions previously loyal to the suspects.

Broader Implications for National Security

The illegal wiretapping of a sitting President is not merely a criminal act; it is a profound failure of the intelligence and security architecture. Experts suggest that this event could trigger a massive reorganization of the state’s security protocols.

1. Re-evaluating Counter-Intelligence

The fact that high-ranking police officials were capable of conducting such an operation for an extended period suggests a significant loophole in the nation’s counter-intelligence capabilities. The government will likely be forced to conduct a comprehensive audit of how surveillance technology is managed and authorized.

2. Restoring Public Trust

The Indonesian public’s trust in the police force has been tested periodically, but this scandal represents a new low. The ability of the institution to prosecute its own—including a former National Police Chief—will be the defining factor in whether the public perceives the current administration as serious about upholding the rule of law.

3. Political Stability

The survival of the current administration depends on its ability to isolate these "bad actors" without sparking a wider systemic collapse. The investigation will continue to be a focal point of political debate in Jakarta, as opposition parties and government allies alike wait to see if the trail leads to even higher-level political actors or if it remains contained within the police hierarchy.

Future Outlook: The Judicial Process

As the case moves toward trial, the Indonesian public expects a high level of transparency. The court proceedings are expected to be the primary source of truth for the citizenry.

For many legal observers, the case serves as a warning about the dangers of institutional overreach. The potential for the state’s own tools—meant for the protection of the nation—to be turned against the head of state is a terrifying prospect that has galvanized calls for stronger legislative oversight of intelligence and police activities.

In the coming weeks, the nation will be watching closely as Commissioner General Asep Safrudin’s team presents its findings to the Attorney General’s office. The trial will not only determine the fate of four high-ranking police officers but will also define the boundaries of executive power and the resilience of Indonesia’s democratic institutions in the face of internal betrayal.

As Jimly Asshiddiqie aptly summarized, the objective is not merely punishment, but the cleansing of the state’s pillars. "We must support the National Police in their resolve to excise this issue to the roots," he concluded. Whether the system is capable of such profound self-correction remains the ultimate question for the future of the Indonesian Republic.