Jakarta has seen an increased security presence following the deployment of thousands of military and police personnel amid an ongoing wiretapping investigation involving Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and several senior officials.
The deployment comes as authorities investigate allegations that senior police officers were involved in illegally intercepting telephone communications belonging to the president, government officials, journalists, politicians and business figures.
Although the situation has attracted considerable attention, Jakarta remained relatively calm on Thursday and Friday, 5–6 November 2026, with most military personnel reportedly being held on standby rather than actively patrolling the streets.
Thousands of Personnel Deployed Across Jakarta
According to the Associated Press (AP), more than 20,000 military personnel have been sent to Jakarta as part of the security operation. Authorities also confirmed that 6,770 police and military personnel were assigned to secure former President Joko Widodo’s appearance at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday, 5 November.
Widodo attended the hearing as a witness in a defamation trial involving allegations that he had used a fake university diploma. The court case is unrelated to the ongoing wiretapping investigation, and Widodo has denied the allegations.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse to welcome the former president. Security personnel were deployed to manage the crowds and maintain order during the proceedings.
Despite the large number of personnel involved, authorities have stressed that most troops remain in reserve at military barracks and other facilities. Indonesian military spokesperson Major General Muhammad Nas previously described the deployment as a “normal occurrence”.
The military has also stated that the mobilisation is part of broader efforts to maintain national security and prepare for upcoming military exercises around Jakarta.
Al Jazeera reported on 5 November that the troop deployment was taking place amid growing concerns surrounding the alleged surveillance operation and its potential political implications.
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Wiretapping Investigation Adds to Political Tensions
The security measures come after three senior police officers were detained over allegations of unauthorised wiretapping between 2025 and 2026. Among them was General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who had recently been appointed as President Prabowo’s chief of staff after previously serving as National Police chief.
The other two officers were identified as National Police Legal Division head Sonta Nasution and senior police instructor Eko Hadi Santoso.
Police subsequently named a fourth suspect, Slamet Uliandi, who heads the Information and Communications Technology Division at the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim). Investigators allege that he approved a request to delete wiretapping records. He has not been detained because he is recovering from a stroke.
The alleged surveillance operation reportedly targeted several prominent figures, although investigators have yet to establish its full scope and motive. The presidential palace has described the alleged operation as potentially constituting an “act of treason”, citing possible threats to state interests and national leadership.
The investigation has also drawn attention to the political relationship between Prabowo and Widodo. The two were previously allies, with Widodo supporting Prabowo’s successful presidential campaign in 2024. However, the relationship has come under increased scrutiny amid signs of political tension.
Retired police general Oegroseno, a former deputy National Police chief, called for investigators to examine the full chain of command behind the alleged surveillance.
“Investigators should not hesitate to question a former president if necessary,” he said. He added that “the motive behind the alleged wiretapping operation must be fully uncovered under the leadership of the current police chief.”
Meanwhile, Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, warned that the alleged operation could constitute a serious human rights violation and potentially undermine civil liberties.
“This is not merely about the alleged wiretapping of the president,” Hamid said. “Authorities must disclose who else may have been targeted and investigate the full impact of the operation.”
Widodo, meanwhile, urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed through the legal process. Speaking to reporters after his court appearance, he said: “We should all respect the ongoing legal process, let’s wait for the (investigation) outcome.”
As the investigation continues, Jakarta remains under heightened security attention. Authorities have yet to establish a direct connection between the troop deployment and the wiretapping case, while the investigation into the alleged surveillance operation continues.
Political Situation Between Prabowo and Jokowi Raises Questions Ahead of 2029
The developments have also drawn attention to the increasingly complicated political relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi, particularly ahead of the 2029 presidential election. In an opinion article published by The Jakarta Post on 21 October 2026, titled “Prabowo Braces for a 2029 Showdown with Jokowi”, journalist Ary Hermawan argued that the latest cabinet reshuffle could signal a growing rivalry between the two political figures.
The article described their relationship as “going downhill” and suggested that their political manoeuvres could lead to another power contest in 2029. It also highlighted Prabowo’s moves to replace officials considered close to Jokowi as a possible indication of efforts to consolidate political influence ahead of the next election.
