Security Measures Deployed for Former President Widodo's Court Appearance

Thousands of police and military personnel have been deployed to secure the court appearance of former President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, as tensions remain high in the capital over a wiretapping scandal involving senior police officers.

The security measures were put in place on Thursday for the trial, which is expected to be closely watched given the sensitive nature of the allegations. The presence of so many personnel underscores the gravity of the situation and the concerns about potential unrest.

Three senior generals have already been detained in connection with the wiretapping scandal, including General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was recently named chief of staff to President Prabowo Subianto. This appointment has raised eyebrows, given the allegations against him.

Listyo previously served as national police chief under Widodo's presidency, but he is now at the center of a major controversy over unauthorized surveillance of high-profile individuals and organizations. Those targeted allegedly include Cabinet officials, politicians, journalists, civil society leaders, and business executives.

Widodo and Prabowo were once close allies, with Widodo supporting Prabowo in his successful 2024 presidential bid. However, their relationship has become increasingly strained since Prabowo took office, sparking concerns about a potential power struggle or a growing political dynasty in Indonesia's young democracy.

Security measures have been stepped up in Jakarta as authorities prepare for a high-profile defamation trial involving President Widodo. Over 20,000 troops have been deployed to the city, with an additional 6,770 police and military personnel called in to secure the hearing.

The heightened security presence is not solely related to the defamation case, which has seen President Widodo accused of using a fake university diploma. In a separate development, two high-ranking police officials were detained last week on suspicion of authorizing unauthorized wiretapping operations between 2025 and 2026.

Amnesty International's executive director in Indonesia, Usman Hamid, has expressed concerns that the wiretapping operation could constitute a serious human rights violation. According to Hamid, the alleged wiretap may have been used to intimidate critics and weaken civil liberties.

The investigation into the unauthorized wiretapping is ongoing, with investigators urged to examine all possible lines of command behind the operation. Retired police Gen. Oegroseno has suggested that even former President Widodo could be questioned if necessary, in order to uncover the motive behind the alleged wiretap.

Details of who else may have been targeted by the wiretapping operation remain unclear, with authorities yet to disclose any further information on the matter. The hearing for President Widodo's defamation trial is set to proceed despite the ongoing investigation into the wiretap allegations.

As President Widodo's defamation trial got underway at the East Jakarta District Court, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside, chanting messages of encouragement for their former leader.

The presidential palace has described the wiretap allegations as a serious matter that could be considered an "act of treason", posing a threat to state interests. However, officials have not directly linked the deployment of troops to the case at hand.

To ensure security and manage large crowds, East Jakarta Police chief Alfian Nurrizal had most of the deployed forces held on standby, while some were stationed near the court building as a precautionary measure against potential risks.

The military presence in Jakarta remains largely low-key, with authorities holding most troops in reserve in barracks and other facilities, despite the significant number of personnel sent to the city.