Indonesian Authorities Identify Fourth Suspect in Presidential Wiretapping Investigation

Indonesian law enforcement authorities have identified a fourth suspect in connection with the alleged wiretapping of President Prabowo Subianto. Officials announced the development during a press conference, naming a senior official with the initials SU as the latest individual linked to the interception inquiry.

Investigators allege that the new suspect authorized the wiretapping activities and later approved the deletion of interception records. According to police cybercrime unit director Suhermanto, the official served as the head of the investigation agency's information and technology unit from 2021 to 2026 and previously held the position of monitoring chief between 2010 and 2019. Local media reports subsequently identified the individual as Slamet Uliandi. Authorities stated that he has not yet been detained due to a health condition.

The ongoing investigation follows the arrest of three senior police officers earlier in the week. Among those detained is the former national police chief and current presidential chief of staff, Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The case has heightened political tensions, exposing divisions between President Prabowo and his predecessor and former ally, Joko Widodo, while prompting broader security concerns.

Police have questioned 13 officers and five criminal and IT experts as the probe continues to examine the motives behind the communications interception. Spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko announced that the national police chief has established a special team dedicated to investigating the case.

Capital city Jakarta remained calm following the revelations, despite the deployment of thousands of troops. Security measures included the placement of military tents, buses, and a limited number of soldiers throughout the area.

The wiretapping scandal comes amid mounting economic and political pressures on President Prabowo, who assumed office in 2024 following a landslide victory as the continuity candidate for Joko Widodo. Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, serves as the current vice president, and lawmakers are reportedly considering a parliamentary probe into his eligibility for office.