Intelligence Agency Denies Having Wiretapped Governor

Jakarta (Antara) - The State Intelligence Agency (BIN) has denied allegations of having wiretapped Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, emphasizing that it has no interest in eavesdropping on the governor's activities. "I assure that BIN did not wiretap Jokowi (Joko Widodo), let alone she (former president Megawati Soekarnoputri), BIN Chairman Marciano stated after attending a coordinating meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR)'s Commission I, here on Monday. Marciano remarked that he had requested Jokowi to improve his internal security system. He made the suggestion, so that no one could get access to the governor's internal system and conduct wiretapping. "I have told him to improve his internal security system," he stressed. He hoped that all the contestants in the general elections will protect themselves and their supporters or communities. These parties should restrict the circulation of nonessential or classified information. "You must restrict disseminating classified information, because by doing so, any attempt to wiretap will not happen," he explained. Earlier, Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Tjahjo Kumolo revealed that three wiretapping devices were found in Jokowi's official residence. It is strongly believed that the planting of the device was an act of terror aimed at his political party (PDIP) by an external source. According to Tjahjo, the three wiretapping devices were found in the bedroom, living room, and dining room of the Jakarta governor's residence. (*)