Indonesia mobilises military in Jakarta after president dismisses top aide

Listyo Sigit Prabowo, appointed chief of staff a few weeks ago, was detained on Nov 3.

Nov 5, 2026, 23:13 UTC

Military vehicles and armed security personnel patrolling an urban street in Jakarta under daylight. — REAL NEWS HUB

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Indonesian authorities have mobilised thousands of military personnel across the capital following the dismissal and detention of the president's chief of staff over an alleged wiretapping conspiracy, according to Reuters.

President Prabowo Subianto dismissed his newly appointed top aide, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, on Nov. 4, one day after the former national police chief and two other senior police officials were arrested. Authorities accuse the officers of running unauthorised phone surveillance operations targeting the head of state, as well as unnamed political figures, public officials, business leaders and journalists since early 2025.

Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi told journalists that the rogue surveillance activity pointed toward treason and jeopardised the safety of the country's leadership and broader state interests. Senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed that investigators have yet to establish an official motive behind the surveillance.

The fallout prompted an immediate military response, with the armed forces moving thousands of soldiers into Jakarta. Navy spokesperson Tunggul said the mobilisation was intended to protect and preserve national stability, while noting that the presence of forces also connected to upcoming regional training exercises.

The security crisis unfolds against a backdrop of mounting political friction between President Prabowo and his predecessor, Joko Widodo. Listyo was widely regarded as a staunch loyalist to Widodo, who maintains considerable sway despite having left office. Following the arrests, representatives from Prabowo's Gerindra party characterised the surveillance operation as an act of insubordination and indicated plans to consult other political factions.

The scandal also comes amid growing challenges for the Prabowo administration, which has contended with sliding approval ratings, frustration over high food costs, and public scrutiny of ambitious state spending initiatives, including free school meal and village cooperative schemes. International investors have similarly voiced concern over policy consistency, contributing to sharp declines in financial markets and warnings of potential equity index downgrades.

Rights groups have raised alarms regarding the scope and implications of the illicit surveillance. Amnesty International Indonesia called on the government to disclose the full list of targeted individuals, warning that leaving such actions unchecked risks enabling a clandestine policing structure capable of suppressing political opposition. Former Indonesian leader Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also intervened publicly, urging the administration to bring stability and civility back to national politics.

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