By Fatma Younis
Indonesian authorities have deployed thousands of police and military personnel to secure a court appearance by former President Joko Widodo, as tensions remain high in Jakarta over a wiretapping scandal implicating senior police officers.
Wiretapping allegations and detentions
The security operation follows the detention of three senior generals, including Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was appointed chief of staff to President Prabowo Subianto last month and previously led the national police under Widodo. Authorities allege that unauthorized surveillance targeted President Prabowo, cabinet officials, politicians, journalists, and business executives between 2025 and 2026. Widodo has not been linked to the wiretapping investigation.
Court appearance and security measures
Widodo testified Thursday in a defamation trial over allegations he used a fake university diploma, a case separate from the wiretapping scandal. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the East Jakarta District Court. The government has mobilized more than 20,000 troops to the capital, with 6,770 assigned to secure the hearing, though police say most remain on standby as a precaution.
