Police Deny Arrests of Former Chiefs in Prabowo Wiretapping Case
The Indonesian National Police dismissed rumors on Sunday that two former chiefs of police had been arrested in connection with an illegal wiretapping investigation targeting President Prabowo Subianto. Kabareskrim Polri Irjen Asep Safrudin told detikNews that the claims circulating on social media were entirely false.
Investigators have charged four high-ranking police officials in the probe into the interception of communications, which authorities say began in 2025. The widening inquiry has drawn intense public speculation online, prompting pushback from law enforcement officials who deny unverified detentions.
How the Investigation Unfolded at Bareskrim
The criminal investigation began taking shape on November 3, 2026, when Bareskrim Polri named three initial suspects in the illegal wiretapping and electronic data deletion case, according to ANTARA. Those first three suspects included former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Legal Division Head Irjen Ahrie Sonta Nasution, and training official Irjen Eko Hadi Santoso.
Two days later, on November 5, 2026, investigators added a fourth suspect, former Information and Communications Technology Division Head Irjen Slamet Uliandi, as reported by ANTARA. According to Kompas, Ahrie Sonta had requested permission from superiors in October 2026 to delete intercepted phone records belonging to the president, a request that Slamet Uliandi allegedly approved before both officers faced criminal charges.
Following the arrests, legal representatives for the accused have stepped forward to address the proceedings. Krisna Murti, an attorney representing Ahrie Sonta, told Kompas that his client intends to remain fully cooperative with investigators to bring clarity to the case. Krisna noted that the legal process has adhered strictly to the Criminal Procedure Code without any form of intimidation.
Meanwhile, three of the suspects—Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Ahrie Sonta, and Eko Hadi Santoso—are being held at the Mobile Brigade (Mako Brimob) detention center in Kelapa Dua, Depok, as detailed by ANTARA. Slamet Uliandi remains unconfined due to an ongoing medical recovery following a stroke.
Police official dismisses social media arrest rumors
Social media platforms have fueled speculation regarding the potential involvement of other former police leaders, including former National Police chiefs, according to AFU.id. Kabareskrim Polri Irjen Asep Safrudin directly addressed those rumors on Sunday, telling detikNews that reports regarding the arrests of two former police chiefs are completely untrue.
Public figures have also weighed in on the broader wiretapping discourse. NasDem Party Chairman Surya Paloh downplayed concerns over his own name appearing in connection with the interception rumors, saying that his regular communications involve casual conversations rather than state secrets.
The suspects currently face multiple charges under Indonesian law. Prosecutors have invoked Article 258 of the 2023 Criminal Code (KUHP) carrying up to 10 years in prison, Article 332 of the KUHP with a sentence of up to 6 years, and provisions under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, including Article 32 paragraph (1) regarding the unauthorized alteration or deletion of electronic information.
Four police generals named in wiretapping case
Who are the four police generals charged in the wiretapping case?
The four suspects named by the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) are former National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Legal Division Head Inspector General Ahrie Sonta Nasution, training official Inspector General Eko Hadi Santoso, and former ICT Division Head Inspector General Slamet Uliandi, as reported by ANTARA.
Which suspects are currently being held in detention?
Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Ahrie Sonta, and Eko Hadi Santoso are detained at the Mako Brimob detention facility in Depok, West Java. ANTARA noted that Slamet Uliandi has not yet been detained because he is recovering from a stroke.
What specific legal charges do the suspects face?
Investigators applied multiple statutes, including Article 258 of the 2023 Criminal Code, Article 332 of the KUHP, and the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, carrying prison sentences ranging from six to ten years.