JAKARTA – A Surveillance Scandal That Reaches the Highest Levels of Power
What happens when the institution responsible for protecting the law is accused of violating it?
That question has emerged following a major surveillance scandal involving three senior Indonesian police officers, including former National Police Chief and current Presidential Chief of Staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police officially announced that three police personnel had been named suspects in an alleged illegal wiretapping operation.
The suspects were identified by their initials: LSP, ASN, and EH. They are Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Inspector General Ahrie Sonta, and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso.
Investigators suspect that the operation involved unauthorized interception of telephone communications, deletion of electronic data, and illegal access to electronic systems.
The case has attracted widespread attention because one of the alleged surveillance targets was President Prabowo Subianto himself.
1. How Did the Illegal Surveillance Operation Begin?
According to the investigation presented by Bareskrim, the alleged illegal surveillance activities took place between 2025 and 2026.
Investigators stated that several telephone numbers were allegedly entered into the police interception management system, known as the Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS), without undergoing the required verification procedures.
The numbers were subsequently monitored even though the surveillance was allegedly unrelated to any lawful criminal investigation or enforcement process.
The alleged targets reportedly included the President, government officials, political figures, journalists, civil society organizations, and businesspeople.
This raises a fundamental question: how could a surveillance system designed to support law enforcement allegedly be used outside its authorized procedures?
2. October 2026: Alleged Deletion of Electronic Evidence
The investigation took another significant turn in October 2026.
According to Bareskrim's account, the suspects allegedly instructed the deletion of files containing intercepted communications stored in the LIMS computer system.
The alleged attempt to remove electronic records became a crucial part of the investigation after a personnel member who reportedly became aware of the activity filed a police report on October 30, 2026.
The report triggered further investigative action by Bareskrim.
Investigators subsequently questioned 10 witnesses and three expert witnesses. They also seized 11 mobile phones, one iPad, and four flash drives as potential evidence.
These findings became part of the basis for determining the legal status of the suspects.
3. November 3: Three Senior Police Officers Named Suspects
The investigation reached a major milestone on November 3, 2026, when Bareskrim announced the designation of three police personnel as suspects.
The announcement was delivered by Criminal Investigation Department Chief Commissioner General Asep Safrudin during a press conference at National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.
The three suspects were identified as:
• Listyo Sigit Prabowo (LSP): Former National Police Chief and current Presidential Chief of Staff. • Inspector General Ahrie Sonta (ASN): A senior police officer serving in the National Police's Legal Division. • Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso (EH): A senior police officer.
A fourth individual identified by the initials SU was reportedly still being questioned as a witness.
Bareskrim stated that the suspects had been detained at the National Police detention facility in Jakarta.
Their alleged actions are being investigated under several legal provisions concerning unlawful interception, electronic information, and unauthorized access.
4. What Charges Could They Face?
The investigation involves allegations that could carry significant criminal consequences if proven in court.
According to the charges reported by Bareskrim, the suspects face provisions under Indonesia's Criminal Code and Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law).
The reported potential maximum penalties include:
• Up to 10 years in prison for unlawful interception under Article 258 of Law No. 1 of 2023. • Up to six years under another provision of the Criminal Code. • Up to eight years under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law.
However, the final legal consequences will depend on the evidence presented and the outcome of the judicial process.
Being named a suspect does not establish guilt. The three individuals retain their legal rights, including the presumption of innocence.
5. A Major Test for Police Accountability
Beyond the legal proceedings, the case presents a significant challenge for the Indonesian National Police.
The involvement of senior officers in an alleged illegal surveillance operation raises concerns about internal supervision, the use of sophisticated surveillance technology, and the protection of citizens' privacy.
The case also puts institutional accountability under public scrutiny.
National Police leadership has emphasized its commitment to internal reform and the principle of maintaining a clean institution.
But public confidence will ultimately depend on whether the investigation is conducted transparently, independently, and without preferential treatment.
What Comes Next?
The investigation remains an important test of Indonesia's law enforcement system.
The public will be watching closely to see whether investigators can establish the full chain of responsibility, identify any additional individuals involved, and ensure that all allegations are examined through a fair legal process.
The central issue is no longer simply who was allegedly monitored.
It is whether the authority to use state surveillance technology was exercised lawfully, and whether those responsible can be held accountable under the same law they are entrusted to enforce.
