Niniek Karmini

November 4, 2026 — 8:57pm

Jakarta: Indonesia’s military was deploying more than 20,000 troops and personnel to the capital, Jakarta, officials said, as authorities investigate an alleged illegal wiretapping operation targeting the country’s president which has led to the detention of three senior police generals.

The scandal took on added significance after the presidential palace said the alleged wiretapping targeting President Prabowo Subianto could be regarded as conduct “leading towards treason”. Sensitive information accessible through a head of state’s communications could endanger the state and national leadership, it said.

Among those implicated in the scandal is the presidential chief of staff, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

There are allegations that cabinet officials, politicians, journalists, civil society leaders and business executives were also subjected to unauthorised surveillance.

Thousands of troops…