What to know about the presidential wiretapping scandal rocking Indonesia

What the report says

Authorities in Indonesia are investigating an alleged wiretapping operation that may have involved President Prabowo Subianto’s phone conversations, according to BBC World News. The case has drawn in senior figures linked to Prabowo’s administration, including his chief of staff, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and two senior police officers who were arrested on Tuesday. Police later named a fourth suspect, though he was not detained because of health reasons.

BBC World News reported that investigators believe phone numbers, including Prabowo’s, were entered into the police’s official surveillance system without the usual legal steps, such as a warrant or case report. Officials said the matter could amount to treason because it may have involved sensitive information affecting national security. The motive has not been made public. Authorities also said the alleged surveillance may have extended beyond the president to politicians, journalists, NGO representatives and businesspeople.

The scandal is unfolding amid signs of strain inside Indonesia’s political elite, especially between Prabowo and his predecessor, Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi. Jokowi backed Prabowo in the 2024 election, but BBC World News said the alliance now appears to be fraying, in part because of policy differences and personnel changes. Listyo, who was later dismissed from his new post, is viewed as close to Jokowi.

The episode matters because it adds to broader uncertainty around Prabowo’s presidency, which is already contending with funding pressure on its free school meals programme, wildfire-related crises and market concerns. BBC World News also noted that Indonesia has seen previous allegations of surveillance involving top political figures, though the current case remains under investigation.