Margareth S. Aritonang and Sita W. Dewi, Jakarta – The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) revealed on Thursday that Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was subject to eavesdropping, a development the party's leaders deemed was a threat to the party ahead of the presidential election.

PDI-P secretary-general Tjahjo Kumolo said snooping on Jokowi was part of a larger surveillance campaign targeting party figures, including chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Tjahjo alleged the eavesdropping was carried out by professionals with backgrounds in the intelligence community. "We recently found three bugging devices inside the bedroom, living room and dining room of Jokowi's official residence," Tjahjo said.

Tjahjo suspected the devices were aimed at covertly gleaning crucial information from Jokowi, which could then could be used to draw him away from the PDI-P.

The senior PDI-P politician said the development could place the PDI-P's electoral strategy at risk. "If we do nothing about it, this could be very dangerous" Tjahjo said.

Other than Jokowi, Tjahjo said other party members subjected to eavesdropping included Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, considered to be rising stars on the political stage.

Separately, Jokowi said he was aware of the spying operation. "I've known about this since December, but I didn't want to make a fuss out of it. I was surprised myself, but no hard feelings. My colleagues were apparently very angry," he said.

Jokowi said bugging devices were found in rooms where he regularly held meetings. "What was there to eavesdrop on anyway? At home I talk about meals, kids and trivial issues with my wife. What was so interesting from my meetings with chiefs of city agencies? I bet [those behind the plot] were frustrated because there was nothing interesting said."

Jokowi added he did not take the development seriously. "I don't want to think about this too much," he went on. When asked about who he thought was responsible for the plot, Jokowi said: "I have no idea. I don't want to think about it."

Public opinion polls indicate Jokowi will win the 2014 presidential election if he is nominated by the PDI-P. Different pollsters have placed his popularity above that of other potential presidential candidates, including Megawati, Gerindra Party chief patron Prabowo Subianto, Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie and Hanura Party chairman Wiranto.

Despite Jokowi's perceived popularity, the PDI-P has yet to decide whether to nominate Jokowi as its presidential candidate. Recent media reports have said the PDI-P's central board is divided between those wanting to nominate Jokowi and those proposing a Megawati-Jokowi ticket.

In a separate interview, former chief of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono, said it was unlikely the agency was behind spying on Jokowi. Hendropriyono suggested Joko-wi may have been bugged by his political rivals.

Given his perceived popularity, Hendropriyono said Jokowi was now the biggest rival of almost any presidential aspirant. "I can guarantee that the military didn't bug him," Hendropriyono said, adding it would be unethical for BIN or the military to spy on civilians.

Meanwhile, Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsuddin also said the country's intelligence community had nothing to do with spying on Jokowi. He said such operations could only be carried out for the state's defense purposes and not be abused for political ends.

Sjafrie called for a thorough investigation into the development. "It has nothing to do with the trend of spying between countries and this should be investigated by law enforcement agencies," he said.

Army chief of staff Gen. Budiman also called for a investigation. "These days, no electronic device is free from eavesdropping," he said. (gda)