“I retired in 2019, both from the police force and as National Police chief.
I have never been involved in police affairs since then,” Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian told reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
Karnavian on Monday denied allegations linking him to the suspected illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto. He also dismissed rumors that he had been barred from traveling overseas in connection with the case, calling the claims a hoax.
The denial follows an ongoing inquiry into alleged unauthorized surveillance involving four senior police officers. Former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who was replaced approximately 40 days ago, is among the individuals involved in the probe.
Karnavian stated that his ministerial duties left him no time for police operations. President Prabowo entrusted him with the position of home affairs minister, and he is carrying out that responsibility to the best of his ability, noting that the role takes an extraordinary amount of work.
TITO KARNAVIAN BANTAH DICEKAL: “HOAKS!” ISU INI MUNCUL DI TENGAH PENYIDIKAN DUGAAN PENYADAPAN PRESIDEN. Situasi politik dan penegakan hukum sedang menjadi perhatian publik. Kali ini nama Menteri Dalam Negeri Tito Karnavian ikut terseret rumor pencekalan ke luar negeri. Tito… pic.twitter.com/a9ARz7ICbX
“Police matters are already handled by those responsible for overseeing them,” Karnavian added. He did not provide further details about the origin of the allegations or the rumors concerning travel restrictions.
Did You Know? Tito Karnavian served as the National Police chief before his retirement in 2019, transitioning into his role as home affairs minister during the administration of President Joko Widodo.
President Prabowo hosted Karnavian and nine other former National Police chiefs at his private residence in Bogor Regency, West Java, with these statements following that gathering a day later. House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the alleged wiretapping investigation was among the topics discussed during the gathering.
Karnavian offered few details about the private discussions in West Java. He stated that Prabowo sought support from the police community and former chiefs for government programs aimed at improving public welfare and preventing state fund losses.
Other former police chiefs in attendance included Roesmanhadi, Roesdihardjo, Suroyo Bimantoro, Da’i Bachtiar, Sutanto, Bambang Hendarso Danuri, Timur Pradopo, Sutarman, and Badrodin Haiti. Current National Police chief Gen. Suyudi Ario Seto and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin also attended the gathering alongside other military and intelligence leaders.
Karnavian denied any involvement in the suspected illegal surveillance of President Prabowo Subianto and dismissed rumors of an overseas travel ban as a hoax.
Four senior police figures are targeted by the probe, including former National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who left his post about 40 days prior.
House Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad confirmed that the alleged wiretapping investigation was discussed, while Karnavian noted that President Prabowo sought support for welfare and state fund protection programs.
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