Indonesia Deploys Over 20,000 Troops to Jakarta Amid Wiretapping Probe

Indonesia's military began deploying more than 20,000 troops and personnel to Jakarta this week as authorities investigate an alleged illegal wiretapping operation that targeted President Prabowo Subianto and other prominent figures. Navy officials confirmed the movement on November 4, describing it as part of efforts to maintain security and stability ahead of planned exercises near the capital.

Three senior police generals were detained on November 3. They include Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who had been appointed presidential chief of staff only weeks earlier after serving as national police chief. The others are Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso. Investigators allege the group ordered unauthorized wiretaps on the president, cabinet members, politicians, journalists, civil society figures, and business executives between 2025 and 2026, including during Listyo's tenure as police chief.

Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said the actions could be regarded as conduct leading toward treason because they involved access to the head of state's communications. The suspects face charges under provisions of the Criminal Code that carry maximum penalties of up to 10 years. A fourth individual remains under examination as a witness. Listyo was dismissed from the chief of staff post on November 4; an army lieutenant was named acting replacement.

The deployment plan, outlined in internal military documents, calls for nearly 21,000 navy personnel under the Jakarta Military Command. The first phase involved units already stationed in the capital. Additional forces began arriving from outside Jakarta on November 4. Officials stated that the movement also supports upcoming training activities. TNI Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto issued instructions for the mobilization via military telegram dated November 2.

The presidential palace has characterized the surveillance as endangering state interests and the safety of national leadership. Investigators reported that electronic evidence was deleted and that the taps occurred without following procedures set out in a 2010 police regulation. No public statement from the detained officers has been reported.

Jakarta has seen elevated military presence in recent days. The combination of high-level arrests inside the police and the large troop movement has drawn attention from regional observers monitoring political stability in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Further details on the motive or the full scope of the intercepted communications have not been released.

The investigation continues at national police headquarters. Additional personnel remain on standby at bases outside the capital. The episode follows Listyo's recent appointment to the presidential staff and occurs amid ongoing adjustments to the security apparatus under the Prabowo administration.