Indonesia's Wiretapping Accord Raises Privacy Concerns

In a move prompting apprehension among privacy advocates, Indonesia's Attorney General Office has formalized a pact with four leading telecom operators for the installation of wiretapping devices. This development, intended to bolster law enforcement capabilities, has left analysts questioning its potential ramifications on privacy and surveillance practices.

The agreement, announced Tuesday, grants prosecutors access to telecommunication recordings and facilitates data exchange for legal purposes. Harli Siregar, a spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office, defended the measure, citing the need for advanced technology to track fugitives. This setup has been sanctioned under a 2021 law granting wiretapping authority to the office.

Critics, however, including Wahyudi Djafar from Rakhsa Initiatives, argue that the new accord could inadvertently extend the practice of surveillance, potentially leading to mass monitoring on mere suspicion. While the Attorney General's Office assures responsible use, concerns linger over the lack of clear limitations and the potential erosion of civil liberties.

(With inputs from agencies.)