Golkar Party Chairperson Bahlil Lahadalia has publicly denied allegations of involvement in an illegal wiretapping operation targeting President Prabowo Subianto. Speaking in Ambon on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition rejected social media rumors that linked him to a meeting with generals regarding the wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto, Tempo.co reported.
Allegations of Illegal Wiretapping Involving Police Generals
The controversy stems from reports involving four high-ranking police officials currently identified as suspects in a wiretapping case. According to Kompas.com, those charged by Bareskrim Polri investigators include former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with Inspector Generals Ahrie Sonta Nasution, Eko Hadi Santoso, and Slamet Uliandi. The suspects face charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE) for illegal access and unauthorized interception of communications.
Bahlil Lahadalia’s Response to Rumors
Bahlil explicitly refuted claims circulating on WhatsApp groups and social media that he attended a meeting with these generals in the Widya Chandra area three hours before the police crackdown, VOI.ID reported. He described the narrative as "nonsense" and "fabricated stories."
During the inauguration of the Golkar Party’s Maluku chapter, Bahlil alluded to a public figure who frequently appears in podcasts, noting, “There is a senior of mine who thinks he speaks the smartest. He often wears glasses, and is featured in podcasts.” He did not name the individual but characterized the rumors as a serious, dangerous accusation. ANTARA News reported that Bahlil also asserted his own status as a victim in the broader wiretapping scandal, stating, “I was also wiretapped.”
Legal Threats and Demands for Investigation
Bahlil has issued a formal ultimatum to those responsible for spreading the allegations. He stated he would provide a 3×24-hour window for the originators of the rumors to issue an apology and public clarification. “If not, as this is a country of law, I will pursue legal action,” Bahlil said, according to Kompas.com. He has formally requested that the National Police conduct a thorough investigation into the motives behind the wiretapping and the origins of the false narratives currently circulating.
Police Face Multiple Charges over Illegal Access and Rumors
What legal charges do the four police generals face?
The suspects have been charged under Article 332 of the Criminal Code regarding illegal access, Article 258 of Law Number 1 of 2023, and Article 32 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE) in conjunction with Article 20 of the Criminal Code, as reported by Kompas.com.
What is the deadline for the legal notice issued by Bahlil?
Bahlil announced a 3×24-hour window starting from November 7, 2026, for individuals spreading the rumors to provide an apology and clarification before he initiates formal legal proceedings.
Did Bahlil confirm if he met with the suspects?
No. Bahlil denied the rumors of his involvement in any such meeting, calling the claims "untrue and baseless" while challenging those making the accusations to provide evidence.