Indonesia’s wiretap pact could create digital dragnet for dissent, critics warn

A wiretapping agreement between Indonesia’s prosecutors and the country’s biggest telecoms firms has drawn criticism from rights groups warning it could enable mass unchecked surveillance, even as officials defend the deal as a crucial tool for law enforcement.

The memorandum of understanding, signed last month between the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and four major telecommunications providers, allows prosecutors to access user data and intercept communications for investigative purposes.

The AGO confirmed in a statement on June 25 that the deal covers “the installation and operation of information interception devices” as well as the “provision of telecommunications information recordings”.

Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence Reda Manthovani, who signed the agreement, described the collaboration as “crucial” to the AGO’s intelligence efforts, which are focused on gathering data to support investigations. He said access to reliable information – referred to as “A1” data – could help locate fugitives and aid prosecutions.

“Data or information with A1 qualification certainly has various benefits, including at a practical level such as searching for fugitives or wanted lists, collecting data to support law enforcement,” he said. He added that such surveillance activities fall within the AGO’s mandate under a 2021 law governing the prosecutor’s office.

  

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