8 Indonesian Citizens Recruited as Russian Soldiers; Deputy Minister Calls for Investigation into Human Trafficking Allegations

The Deputy Minister of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection/BP2MI, Christina Aryani, has responded to reports that eight Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been recruited as soldiers for Russia. Christina has deferred the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and law enforcement agencies to investigate potential human trafficking (TPPO) involving these citizens.

“The laws regarding human trafficking are clear. Therefore, we need to re-examine whether there was exploitation involved. There are many instances where people claim to be victims of human trafficking, even though they may have gone abroad voluntarily to work as scammers,” said Christina at the Bakom RI office in Jakarta on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

Christina noted that an investigation is necessary to determine if human trafficking occurred regarding the involved Indonesians, leaving the handling of the matter to the authorities.

“They may be aware of the situation, but because they want to gain attention, they might claim it is human trafficking. Therefore, it is up to law enforcement to investigate,” she added.

Previously, it was reported that eight Indonesian citizens were recruited by the Russian armed forces to fight in the war against Ukraine, according to a report published by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine on 27 August via Telegram.

According to The New Voice of Ukraine, the agency stated it had obtained documents confirming the recruitment. The report suggested that such efforts allow the Kremlin to bolster its forces by utilising foreign nationals as part of its propaganda efforts.

Meanwhile, in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, confirmed that the ministry is continuing to verify information regarding the Indonesians suspected of joining the Russian armed forces through Indonesian representatives, while coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies.

Yvonne stated that the Indonesian government will also investigate the possibility of fraud, exploitation, or recruitment through job offers that do not align with the true nature of the work presented to these citizens.