BAM Urges Investigation into Wiretapping Allegations and Faster Passage of Wiretapping Bill

PARLEMENTARIA, Jakarta — The DPR RI’s Public Aspirations Agency (BAM) is calling for a thorough investigation into allegations of illegal wiretapping targeting senior state officials. In addition to law enforcement, the DPR believes deliberations on the Wiretapping Bill should be expedited to ensure that the use of wiretapping devices has a legal basis and is subject to accountable oversight mechanisms.

The call was made during a public hearing held by the DPR RI’s BAM with several civil society groups—the Forum Tanah Air (FTA), the National Coalition of Indonesian Women (KNPRI), the Alliance of Guardians and Lovers of the Nation (APP-BANGSA), and the Civil Collective Alliance (AKSI)—at the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday (12/11/2026).

DPR RI BAM member Yanuar Arif Wibowo said wiretapping devices have considerable potential for misuse if they are not subject to strict oversight. He therefore called for their use to be regulated transparently, including through regular audits of equipment operated by state institutions.

Yanuar compared oversight of wiretapping devices to routine inspections of weapons and ammunition owned by police officers. He said each device must have a clearly identified person responsible for it, user, and purpose.

“In the police force, ladies and gentlemen, when an officer is given a pistol and ammunition—for example, 10 rounds—the ammunition is regularly inspected. Are all 10 rounds still there? Likewise, I will urge those working on the Wiretapping Bill, ladies and gentlemen, to make sure that these devices are also subject to accountability. The public must be able to find out who is responsible for a device, who uses it, and for what purpose,” Yanuar said.

Meanwhile, DPR RI BAM member Harris Turino stressed that the wiretapping allegations must be investigated fully, particularly if there are indications of actions threatening state security. The investigation, he said, should include those who funded or facilitated the actions, as well as those who benefited from them.

“On the wiretapping issue, we agree that this must be investigated thoroughly. If there are indications that this was part of a plot to commit crimes against the state, then it must be pursued all the way to its roots. Who funded it, who benefited most, and who facilitated it? This must be exposed in full so that people can live in peace,” Harris said.

Strengthening regulations on wiretapping is considered essential to prevent oversight and law enforcement powers from being abused. The Wiretapping Bill is expected to set clear legal standards for institutions authorized to conduct wiretapping while also guaranteeing the protection of citizens’ privacy. (Ndy/um)