Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has fired his chief of staff, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, a day after the police arrested him and two other generals on allegations of illegal wiretapping of the president and several ministers. The arrest was announced by the National Police on Tuesday, who stated that the wiretapping occurred between 2025 and 2026, during Listyo's leadership of the police.
According to the police, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who led the police for five years before being appointed as the president's chief of staff last month, was taken into custody along with two other high-ranking officers, Ahri Sunanta Nasution and Eko Hadi Santoso. The police allege that the three generals not only conducted the wiretapping but also ordered the deletion of intercepted communication records in an attempt to conceal evidence.
The wiretapping allegedly targeted not only the president and ministers but also politicians, journalists, activists, and businesspeople. The police have stated that the operation was carried out "without any legal basis." The president's spokesperson, Brastiantyo Hadi, described the actions as "behavior that tends to be treasonous," as it endangered the state's interests and the president's safety.
In a related development, the Indonesian military has deployed over 20,000 personnel in the capital city of Jakarta. The military stated that the deployment was a routine operation, but it has raised concerns about a potential connection to the wiretapping scandal. The arrested generals face charges of illegal wiretapping, cybercrime, and data deletion, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The investigation into the wiretapping scandal is ongoing, and the authorities have not yet determined the motives behind the operation. Listyo Sigit Prabowo is not related to President Prabowo Subianto, despite sharing the same name. The president's legal affairs minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that the investigation is still underway and that the motives behind the wiretapping have yet to be established.
The incident has raised concerns about the security and integrity of the Indonesian government's communication systems. The president's decision to fire Listyo Sigit Prabowo as chief of staff demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring accountability. The incident is being closely watched by the public and the media, who are eager to see the investigation unfold and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The Indonesian government has taken steps to enhance security measures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The deployment of military personnel in Jakarta is seen as a precautionary measure to maintain stability and security in the capital city. The government has assured the public that it will take all necessary measures to protect the country's interests and ensure the safety of its leaders.
Key points
- The Indonesian president fires his chief of staff after arrest for wiretapping.
- Over 20,000 military personnel deployed in Jakarta amid the scandal.
- The arrested generals face charges of wiretapping, cybercrime, and data deletion.
