Indonesia Deploys 20,000 Troops In Jakarta Amid Police Generals' Arrests Over Wiretapping Scandal

Indonesia's military is deploying more than 20,000 troops and personnel in Jakarta amid an investigation into an alleged illegal wiretapping operation targeting President Prabowo Subianto, which has led to the detention of three senior police generals.

The deployment comes amid growing scrutiny over allegations that some of the country's top serving police officers were involved in unauthorised surveillance of the president, Cabinet officials, politicians, journalists, civil society leaders and business executives. Authorities, however, have not confirmed whether the military mobilisation is linked to the investigation.

The first phase of the deployment began on Monday, with 2,100 personnel from military units already stationed in Jakarta. Troops from outside the capital began arriving on Wednesday, taking the total number involved to 20,980, according to Navy Operations Assistant Vice Admiral Yayan Sofiyan.

The deployment includes personnel from marine and naval units, training centres and naval bases in Java and Lampung province. Another 13,140 personnel have been placed on standby and could be deployed if required.

Indonesian armed forces spokesperson Major General Muhammad Nas described the movement as a routine security measure, saying the military must remain prepared to protect the country and maintain its territorial integrity.

The developments follow a televised announcement by Indonesian police late Tuesday confirming the detention of three senior police generals as suspects in the wiretapping investigation. Those named include Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the presidential chief of staff, Ahrie Sonta Nasution and Eko Hadi Santoso. Police said the three were detained on Sunday.

Investigators allege that unauthorised surveillance took place between 2025 and 2026, when Listyo was serving as Indonesia's police chief. The suspects are accused of ordering interceptions of communications without following proper procedures. They are also alleged to have ordered the deletion of files containing intercepted communications in late October to conceal evidence.

The alleged offences include unlawful interception, recording, diversion, alteration, obstruction and monitoring of private electronic communications. The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

The three suspects have not publicly responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, the scale of the military deployment has drawn attention as the investigation unfolds, although officials have maintained that the troop movement is part of standard national security preparations.