Politics · Indonesia · 3 hrs ago
SBY urges Prabowo to restore ‘civilised’ politics in Indonesia
Former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono criticised the country’s politics in a post on X on November 4.
He said the pursuit of power seemed to justify any means, regardless of whether they were moral.
He urged President Prabowo Subianto to bring back civilised politics and said he feared people could feel unsafe in their own country.
His comments came amid an investigation into alleged illegal surveillance involving three police generals.
Police said the suspected surveillance targeted President Prabowo and other people, including officials, politicians and media, but have not named the other targets.
The case has raised questions about its motive, and a lawmaker and a government minister have pointed to possible political aims or signs of an attempt to overthrow the government.
Investigators are still examining the motive and who may have used the surveillance results.
Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged President Prabowo Subianto to revive “civilised” politics.
Yudhoyono said the pursuit of power appeared to justify any means, regardless of whether they were moral.
He warned that people could end up feeling afraid and unsafe in their own country.
His remarks came amid an investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping that included Prabowo among its targets.
A lawmaker and a government minister separately said the case’s motives should be investigated, with the minister citing indications of possible treason.
- Who
- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia’s former president, urged President Prabowo Subianto to act.
- What
- Yudhoyono called for the return of “civilised” politics and warned against pursuing power by any means.
- When
- He posted his remarks on 4 November 2026.
- Where
- In a post on his X account.
- Why
- He said political competition appeared to disregard morality and worried that people could feel afraid and unsafe in their own country.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A person who knew about the alleged wiretapping reported it to police.
Police investigators announced that three people had been named suspects in the alleged illegal wiretapping case.
Yudhoyono posted his appeal to Prabowo on X.
Lawmaker Benny K Harman called for investigators to examine the motive, while Yusril Ihza Mahendra said there were indications of possible treason.
- Appeal
- Yudhoyono urged Prabowo to revive civilised politics
- X post
- 4 November 2026
- Alleged wiretapping targets
- Included President Prabowo and other groups; police had not identified the other targets
- Police investigation
- 10 witnesses and 3 expert witnesses questioned
- Seized items
- 11 mobile phones, 1 iPad and 4 flash drives
3 sources
What people are saying
As a citizen who loves this country, as do other Indonesian citizens, I appeal to President Prabowo to revive civilised politics.
I am worried that people will eventually feel afraid and unsafe living in their own country.
This is not ordinary wiretapping, but political wiretapping.
From developments in the inquiry and investigation, it can be provisionally or definitively concluded that there are signs or indications pointing towards treason as described in Articles 191 and 193 of the Criminal Code.
Posts on X
Kok jadi begini negara kita. Kok begini liar politik kita. Sepertinya untuk mendapatkan kekuasaan (political power) cara apapun dibenarkan. Tidak peduli baik atau buruk. Bermoral atau tidak bermoral. Saya khawatir kalau akhirnya rakyat merasa takut dan tidak tenteram hidup di