Indonesia President Sacks Chief of Staff Over Alleged Wiretapping

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto sacked his chief of staff, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, on 4 November 2026, one day after police arrested him and two other senior officers on suspicion of illegal wiretapping. Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi said the actions could constitute treason and endanger state security.

Listyo, a former national police chief, had been appointed chief of staff on 1 October. Police said the three officers allegedly intercepted communications of the president, ministers, politicians, journalists and others between 2025 and 2026, while Listyo was still police chief. They are also accused of ordering the deletion of files containing intercepted material.

The other two officers are identified as Ahrie Sonta Nasution, head of the national police legal division, and Eko Hadi Santoso. All three face charges under the Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.

Hadi said the president expressed deep concern and ordered police to handle the case openly and according to law. Lieutenant-General Ariyo Windutomo was appointed acting chief of staff. Justice Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the motive has not yet been determined.

The case has raised questions about internal security practices and political alignments within the police. Listyo was associated with the previous administration of Joko Widodo. Military forces were later reported mobilised in Jakarta to maintain stability amid the investigation.

The dismissal removes a recently appointed senior official less than five weeks after he took office. The investigation continues, with evidence including phones and storage devices seized. The outcome will test how the government handles allegations of surveillance directed at the highest levels of the state.