Indonesia’s president dismisses chief of staff after wiretapping arrest

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto signed a decree dismissing presidential chief of staff Listyo Sigit Prabowo after police named him a suspect in an investigation into alleged illegal interception, deletion of electronic evidence and unauthorized access. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced the decision on 4 November 2026.

Police announced Listyo’s arrest on 3 November 2026, over allegations that he illegally intercepted the phones of senior figures, including the president and cabinet ministers. Before joining the presidential office, Listyo had led the National Police for five years; he was sworn in as chief of staff on 1 October 2026.

What investigators allege

The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency named three officers as suspects and detained them at police headquarters in Jakarta. Police criminal investigation chief Asep Safrudin said investigators named them after questioning witnesses and seizing several pieces of evidence. One of the other officers is Ahrie Sonta Nasution, head of the police legal division, Al Jazeera said, citing local media.

The alleged interception took place during 2025–2026, while Listyo was police chief. Investigators also allege that the suspects ordered files containing intercepted communications deleted in October 2026 to conceal their actions. Safrudin said the interception had no legal basis and was not part of a lawful investigation or inquiry.

Hadi, who is also a presidential spokesperson, said the alleged conduct might amount to an act tending toward treason and could endanger state interests and the safety of national leaders. He did not announce a treason charge. Senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the motive for the alleged interception had not been determined.

Acting replacement and troop deployment

The president appointed presidential secretariat chief Lieutenant General Ariyo Windutomo as acting chief of staff to fill the vacancy.

On 4 November, the Indonesian military deployed more than 20,000 soldiers in Jakarta. Armed forces spokesperson Major-General Muhammad Nas called the movement standard procedure for national security and territorial integrity; the military did not say whether it was linked to the arrests.