Antara News·Indonesia·Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 09:53 AM UTC

Bahlil Lahadalia denies involvement in wiretapping of the president

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Ode Dedy Lion A, Fauzul Azhim Bin Fakhrurazi

Ambon (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia has firmly denied allegations linking him to an alleged illegal wiretapping case targeting President Prabowo Subianto. He also said he was ready to issue a legal warning to those who had used his name.

“Regarding the wiretapping of the head of state and several other parties, we ask the police to investigate the case thoroughly. I was also wiretapped,” Bahlil said in Ambon on Saturday.

He made the statement after inaugurating officials and opening the working meeting of the Golkar Party's Regional Leadership Council (DPD) in Ambon City, Maluku.

Bahlil was responding to widespread speculation circulating on social media, including a narrative shared by an intelligence observer about the presence of a political party chairman in the Widya Chandra area several hours before the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) arrested the wiretapping suspect.

The issue was subsequently linked to Bahlil because he is a political party chairman within the presidential circle.

Bahlil stressed that he did not know the identity of the political party chairman referred to in the narrative.

However, the issue circulating on various social media platforms and WhatsApp groups had begun to fuel speculation and specifically point to him.

“This morning, I read messages in WhatsApp groups suggesting that the issue pointed to me. That is an untrue and baseless accusation,” he said.

Bahlil therefore urged the police to act swiftly and thoroughly investigate those behind the spread of the false information.

He also gave those spreading the allegations a deadline to issue an apology and clarification.

“I urge those who spread the issue not to make careless statements, and I ask the police to investigate it thoroughly. To several people who have used my name, I will issue a legal warning, giving them a 3x24-hour deadline starting today. If they fail to provide clarification, I will pursue legal action,” he said.

He emphasized that the public must uphold ethical standards in the public sphere and refrain from stirring up the national political climate through misleading narratives.

“We are a democratic country, but we must also uphold a dignified democracy. Not everything should lead to slander. That is not good. The police will look into it,” Bahlil said.

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