Elite conflict? What is behind the wiretapping scandal in Indonesia? President Pravo Subianto has suspended his chief of staff, Listio Sigita Pravo, following his arrest on suspicion of illegal wiretapping of the head of state and other officials. Along with him, two other senior police officers were detained. According to the investigation, wiretapping was carried out since 2025 and in October 2026 the suspects tried to delete files with recordings. The president's spokesman, Prestio Hadi, said the actions "could amount to treason" and threatened national security. It was reported that in the midst of the scandal, more than 20,000 military personnel were brought to Jakarta. The military calls this "standard operating procedure" for security. Why did this happen? Experts point to an elite conflict: Listio headed the police under previous president Joko Widodo and, according to analysts, represents the old political power, while Prabo is consolidating power. Senior researcher Firman Noor points out: "There is fierce competition in the elite circles, and wiretapping of the head of state is a very unusual event." The consequences are already felt: Indonesia's stock market has lost about 40% of its value since the beginning of the year - the worst result in the world, against the background of MSCI's warning against a possible downgrade of the market. The crisis increases the pressure on the investment climate and trust in the government. In October, mass student protests erupted in Indonesia amid massive forest fires and rising prices. The demonstrations took place in several cities across the country, including Jakarta, and coincided with the second anniversary of President Prabo Subianto's ascension to power. The demonstrators demand that forest fires be declared a national disaster, that damaged ecosystems be restored and that measures be taken against social inequality. Other demands include fighting corruption, lowering the cost of education and protecting civil liberties.

Elite conflict? What is behind the wiretapping scandal in Indonesia? President Pravo Subianto has suspended his chief of staff, Listio Sigita Pravo, following his arrest on suspicion of illegal wiretapping of the head of state and other officials. Along with him, two other senior police officers were detained. According to the investigation, wiretapping was carried out since 2025 and in October 2026 the suspects tried to delete files with recordings. The president's spokesman, Prestio Hadi, said the actions "could amount to treason" and threatened national security. It was reported that in the midst of the scandal, more than 20,000 military personnel were brought to Jakarta. The military calls this "standard operating procedure" for security. Why did this happen? Experts point to an elite conflict: Listio headed the police under previous president Joko Widodo and, according to analysts, represents the old political power, while Prabo is consolidating power. Senior researcher Firman Noor points out: "There is fierce competition in the elite circles, and wiretapping of the head of state is a very unusual event." The consequences are already felt: Indonesia's stock market has lost about 40% of its value since the beginning of the year - the worst result in the world, against the background of MSCI's warning against a possible downgrade of the market. The crisis increases the pressure on the investment climate and trust in the government. In October, mass student protests erupted in Indonesia amid massive forest fires and rising prices. The demonstrations took place in several cities across the country, including Jakarta, and coincided with the second anniversary of President Prabo Subianto's ascension to power. The demonstrators demand that forest fires be declared a national disaster, that damaged ecosystems be restored and that measures be taken against social inequality. Other demands include fighting corruption, lowering the cost of education and protecting civil liberties.