Listyo Sigit Named Suspect in Illegal Wiretapping Case, Dismissed as Presidential Chief of Staff

Indonesia’s former National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has been named a suspect in an alleged illegal wiretapping operation targeting President Prabowo Subianto and several other prominent figures. President Prabowo subsequently dismissed him from his position as Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The dramatic development unfolded within less than 24 hours after the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) announced Listyo’s suspect status alongside two other senior police officers on Tuesday evening, November 3.

According to reports by Suara.com, the case involves allegations of illegal interception, unauthorised access to electronic systems, and the deletion of electronic data. The investigation has also raised concerns about the alleged misuse of state surveillance infrastructure.

Three Senior Police Officers Named Suspects

Bareskrim officially named three individuals as suspects in the alleged illegal surveillance operation. They are Listyo Sigit Prabowo (LSP), Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution (ASN), and Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso (EH).

The announcement was delivered by Bareskrim Chief Commissioner General Asep Safrudin during a press conference at police headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday night.

Investigators suspect that the three officers were involved in an unauthorised interception operation targeting mobile phone numbers belonging to the Indonesian president, government officials, political figures, journalists, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and businesspeople.

The alleged operation reportedly took place between 2025 and 2026, using the Lawful Interception Management System (LIMS), a surveillance system designed to support lawful interception activities.

According to investigators, target phone numbers were allegedly entered directly into the LIMS server without proper verification or authorisation. The operation was reportedly conducted without a police report, an official request from investigators, or a legal basis related to law enforcement.

Authorities also suspect that electronic files containing surveillance records were deliberately deleted in October 2026 to conceal traces of the operation.

The alleged activities were discovered after an internal officer reported the suspected irregularities, leading to the filing of an official police report on October 30, 2026.

All three suspects have been detained at the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency's detention facility in Jakarta as investigators continue examining the case.

Prabowo Signs Presidential Decree to Dismiss Listyo

Following the announcement of the suspects, attention quickly shifted to Listyo’s position within the presidential administration.

Listyo had been appointed Chief of the Presidential Staff Office on October 1, 2026, replacing General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman. His tenure lasted just 33 days before he was named a suspect and detained.

Initially, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government needed to discuss the continuation of Listyo’s position, while prioritising the legal proceedings.

However, President Prabowo made the decision on Wednesday morning.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi announced that Prabowo had signed a Presidential Decree (Keppres) formally dismissing Listyo from his position as Chief of the Presidential Staff Office.

Prasetyo said the decision was a necessary consequence of the legal case involving someone holding a senior position within the presidential administration.

“For this reason, we can inform the media that the President made a decision this morning and signed a Presidential Decree concerning the dismissal of Listyo Sigit Prabowo in his capacity as Chief of the Presidential Staff Office,” Prasetyo said during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Prabowo also appointed Lieutenant General Ariyo Windutomo, who previously served as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, as acting Chief of the Presidential Staff Office (Acting KSP) to temporarily fill the vacant position.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings Continue

The case involves allegations of illegal tapping, unauthorised access to electronic systems, and the destruction of electronic evidence.

According to Suara.com, investigators are examining the alleged misuse of the LIMS surveillance system, including the authorisation procedures and the deletion of digital records.

The suspects face multiple criminal charges under Indonesia's Criminal Code and Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law). The investigation is expected to establish the extent of each suspect's involvement and the full scope of the alleged surveillance operation.

Listyo's dismissal marks a significant development in a case involving senior figures within Indonesia's security and government institutions. With three senior police officers detained and the head of the Presidential Staff Office removed from his position, the investigation has become a major test of accountability within state institutions.

The suspects' legal status remains subject to the judicial process, and the allegations must ultimately be proven in court.