JAKARTA, The Kabar News—The intelligence chief said an alleged illegal wiretapping operation targeting President Prabowo Subianto could point to treason. However, investigators have not announced a treason charge or reached a final conclusion about the suspects’ motives.

State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Muhammad Herindra made the statement after meeting Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. Herindra said he had come to brief the president. Still, he declined to disclose the contents of his report.

“I think it was an illegal act and one that points toward treason. That is all,” Herindra told reporters.

Asked whether intelligence authorities had identified who ordered the alleged surveillance, Herindra provided no further details. He also did not explain what evidence led him to describe the case as potentially treasonous.

Police said the alleged interceptions took place between 2025 and 2026. However, Herindra did not disclose when BIN first detected the operation or what information the agency submitted to Prabowo.

Investigators are examining digital records to establish the chain of command and determine how the suspects may have used the intercepted information. They are also seeking to identify other parties involved in the operation.

As the investigation progressed, officials said they found preliminary indications that the surveillance may have sought to undermine the government. In addition, it could render the president unable to perform his duties.

Coordinating Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that investigators had not reached a final conclusion. He also said they had not charged the suspects with treason.

“The elements are beginning to point in that direction, but investigators are still examining them,” Yusril said. “It would be premature to immediately classify the case as treason because that conclusion must be supported by sufficient facts and evidence.”

The current investigation focuses on alleged illegal interception, unauthorized electronic access and the deletion of electronic evidence. The ministry’s official statement said investigators were still examining the operation’s purpose and the possible involvement of other actors.

Police have named four police generals as suspects. They include former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo (LSP), along with Ahrie Sonta Nasution, Eko Hadi Santoso and Slamet Uliandi.

Investigators allege that the suspects entered telephone numbers belonging to Prabowo and other prominent figures into a lawful-interception system without the required verification. There was also no connection to a legitimate law enforcement investigation. Other alleged targets included government officials, political figures and media representatives.

Investigators also accuse the suspects of ordering officials to delete interception records in October 2026 to conceal evidence. The most serious charge publicly announced so far carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. All four suspects retain the presumption of innocence.

Herindra’s assessment does not establish that treason occurred. Article 191 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code applies when someone commits treason intending to kill the president or vice president, deprive either of their liberty, or render them unable to govern. A conviction can carry the death penalty, life imprisonment or a maximum 20-year prison term.

Prosecutors would therefore need to prove more than illegal surveillance. They would have to connect the alleged operation to one of the specific intentions covered by Article 191.

The Constitutional Court upheld Indonesia’s treason provisions in 2018. However, it warned law enforcement authorities to apply them carefully so they do not suppress lawful expression in a democratic society.

Prabowo has instructed the police to investigate the case objectively and transparently. Until investigators establish the operation’s purpose and intended use of the intercepted information, the treason allegation remains a preliminary legal assessment. It is not a proven offense.