Government Investigates Reports That Eight Indonesians Joined Russia’s Military

Indonesia is investigating Ukrainian claims that eight of its citizens were recruited into Russia’s military, with officials cautioning that the allegations cannot be accepted without a full check of the facts.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government was verifying the individuals’ identities, citizenship status, recruitment process and the nature of their involvement. “What must be established is who they are, how they were recruited, what was offered to them, and whether they actually then entered the Russian military service,” he said.

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, known as FISU, said it had documents related to the recruitment of eight Indonesians. The people named were Yuda Putra Pratama, Haryanto Dwi Kencana, Erwanda, Ngangun Hudri Fadli, Muhammad Syaripudin, M Hadi Maulana, Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar and Helmi Nuraha Hakim.

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What must be established is who they are, how they were recruited, what was offered to them, and whether they actually then entered the Russian military service.

According to FISU, the recruitment allegedly began with promises of well-paid employment, noncombat duties, faster access to Russian citizenship and other social benefits. Recruiters reportedly used job offers to attract foreign nationals who could later be directed into military service.

Yusril said Indonesia must approach the issue from two sides. If the Indonesians were deceived or exploited after accepting civilian job offers, the government must treat them as victims and provide protection. “If it is true that our citizens were recruited through job offers but were then directed into military service and sent to a conflict zone, we must consider whether they are victims. The government is obliged to protect Indonesian citizens who become victims,” he said.

At the same time, Yusril pointed to Article 23 of Indonesia’s Citizenship Law, Law No. 12 of 2006. He said Indonesian citizens who knowingly join a foreign military without the president’s permission could face legal consequences.

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If it is true that our citizens were recruited through job offers but were then directed into military service and sent to a conflict zone, we must consider whether they are victims. The government is obliged to protect Indonesian citizens who become victims.