8 Indonesians Suspected of Joining Russian Military, Lawmaker Warns Citizenship Could Be Revoked

A member of House of Representatives Commission I, TB Hasanuddin, has responded to reports that eight Indonesian citizens (WNI) have allegedly been recruited as Russian soldiers. TB Hasanuddin warned that Indonesian citizenship is automatically revoked if someone joins a foreign country’s military.

“Look, recruitment is usually open. Developed countries typically offer people the chance to join their armed forces. I am certain this was done with full awareness. Generally, the motivation is economic, commercial,” TB Hasanuddin said when contacted on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

He noted that there is usually another motive behind someone’s decision to become a Russian soldier. One of the most common reasons is economic factors.

“Generally it is commercial. Or there is another objective, for example, someone has been working there for quite a long time and then wants to become a citizen. One of the fastest routes is to join the local military,” TB Hasanuddin said.

He stressed that every Indonesian citizen must understand that if they decide to become a soldier for another country, their Indonesian citizenship status is automatically forfeited. Nevertheless, TB Hasanuddin acknowledged that some people are already aware of this but still proceed with their plans.

“The consequence, as far as I know, is that some people do know that if they join the military, their Indonesian citizenship is automatically revoked. But there are also those who know and do it deliberately,” TB Hasanuddin said.

TB Hasanuddin said the eight individuals have already joined the Russian military if the reports are true. He therefore urged the government to draw lessons from this incident.

“However, the most important thing is not to make an issue of those eight people, since it is already done. The most important thing is that this becomes a lesson for the Indonesian government,” TB Hasanuddin said.

“In this case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to provide accurate information that if you join a foreign country’s military, your citizenship will automatically be revoked,” he continued.

Previously, data regarding eight Indonesian citizens becoming Russian soldiers was released by Ukrainian intelligence in a statement on its official website, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU). Ukrainian intelligence displayed identity documents of Indonesian citizens suspected of becoming Russian soldiers.

“Promises of high pay, non-combat duties, accelerated Russian citizenship, and social benefits attract people who often do not know where they will actually be sent,” Ukrainian intelligence wrote on its official website, as seen by detikcom on Monday (31/8).

Spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, said the Indonesian government is currently verifying the information through Indonesian representatives in Russia. She said the ministry is also coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies.