Indonesia rocked by presidential spying scandal
Indonesia is investigating possible treason after allegations that President Prabowo Subianto’s private phone conversations were illegally intercepted, fuelling speculation of a growing rift with his predecessor, Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi.
Presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is unrelated to the president, was arrested on Tuesday alongside two senior police officers over the alleged surveillance operation.
Investigators suspect the officials entered telephone numbers into a police surveillance system without obtaining the necessary authorisation, potentially exposing sensitive government communications.
Authorities believe the operation began in 2025, when Listyo headed the national police. Politicians, journalists, businesspeople and civil society representatives were also allegedly targeted.
A fourth suspect was identified on Thursday but was not detained because of ill health.
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Officials warned that the suspected interception of sensitive information could constitute treason, which carries penalties including life imprisonment or death.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Prabowo’s relationship with Jokowi, whose endorsement helped secure his victory in the 2024 presidential election.
Listyo, dismissed shortly after his arrest, is widely regarded as a longtime Jokowi ally.
Although neither leader has acknowledged a political split, Prabowo has increasingly pursued his own priorities, including a nationwide free school meals programme, while sidelining Jokowi’s ambitious new capital project, Nusantara.
Government reshuffles have also weakened the former president’s influence, while his son, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, faces questions over his educational credentials.
Police insist the investigation is unrelated to political rivalries, while Jokowi has urged respect for the legal process.
The controversy comes as Prabowo confronts economic uncertainty, funding pressures, environmental crises and public protests over corruption and living costs.
For Indonesians, the unfolding political drama raises broader questions about government accountability and competing priorities.
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This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
