Jakarta. Chief Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Tuesday that investigators would pursue anyone who may have orchestrated the alleged illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto, following the reported detention of three senior police officers.

Yusril said the investigation would not necessarily end with the suspects already identified and that authorities would examine whether other individuals or organizations were involved.

"I don't think the investigation will stop with the names of the suspects. There will certainly be further developments, and those behind the operation will be uncovered," Yusril told a press conference in Jakarta.

He declined to speculate on whether foreign parties had played a role in the alleged surveillance.

"Let the investigators do their work. Could there have been foreign involvement? At this point, we cannot answer that question," he said.

The three suspects were identified as former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and two police generals, Ahrie Sonta and Eko Hadi.

Police have alleged that unauthorized interception activities targeting the president and other prominent figures took place between 2025 and 2026.

No Treason Charges
Yusril said the suspects were not being charged with treason, emphasizing that the offense is governed by separate legal provisions.

He said the investigation was continuing and that unauthorized surveillance could constitute a criminal offense even without evidence of a broader plot against the government.

"The case remains under investigation and requires further examination. Nevertheless, surveillance conducted without a legal basis or proper procedures constitutes a criminal offense," he said.

Yusril also stressed that the suspects were entitled to legal representation and could challenge their detention or other investigative measures through pretrial proceedings.

He said police were handling the investigation because the suspects remained active members of the force and the alleged offenses involved possible abuse of official authority.

The minister called for an open and objective investigation, arguing that public scrutiny was essential as Indonesia pursued reforms within the National Police.

He also said developments in the case should be reported to President Prabowo, given the seriousness of allegations involving surveillance of senior state officials.

Government to Review Wiretapping Powers
Beyond the criminal investigation, Yusril called for a broader review of the legal powers allowing state institutions to intercept communications.

He said he planned to coordinate with the coordinating minister for political and security affairs to discuss safeguards against abuse.

Several Indonesian institutions, including the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Attorney General's Office and National Police, have legal authority to conduct interception activities under specified circumstances.

However, Yusril said those powers must be exercised strictly within the law and for legitimate institutional purposes.

"Several institutions, such as the National Narcotics Agency, Corruption Eradication Commission, prosecutors and the National Police, have the authority to conduct wiretapping under certain circumstances. However, its implementation must follow strict procedures and regulations to prevent abuse," he said.

The minister warned that arbitrary surveillance, particularly when conducted for purposes unrelated to an institution's lawful duties, could amount to a criminal offense.

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