Ambassador asserts no recruitment of Indonesian citizens into Russian military via embassy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolostoy, has emphasised that his office is not conducting any form of recruitment for the Russian military amidst controversy regarding allegations that Indonesian citizens are joining the Russian Armed Forces.
“Russian representative offices anywhere in Indonesia are not conducting any recruitment for the Russian armed forces,” stated Ambassador Tolchenov, following a press conference for the Moscow City Tourism Committee (Mostourism) roadshow in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He did not deny that foreign nationals, such as workers, students, and even tourists, have decided to join the Russian armed forces while residing in the country. However, he noted that such actions are the personal responsibility of each individual.
Tolchenov emphasised that the Russian embassy, regardless of its location, is not involved in the process of recruiting foreign nationals into the country’s military. “It is acknowledged that there are not a few foreign nationals in the Russian military, but the embassy is not involved in conducting recruitment for it,” the Russian Ambassador said.
Meanwhile, Tolchenov acknowledged awareness of the investigation being conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) regarding the presence of eight Indonesian citizens suspected of joining the Russian military. Responding to these efforts, the Russian Ambassador stated his readiness to assist the investigation process if requested by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“If they wish to ask us anything, we are certainly ready to provide explanations or cooperate,” he said.
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 on Monday, the agency stated it had obtained documents confirming such recruitment.
The media outlet suggested that such efforts allow the Kremlin to bolster its forces by utilising foreign nationals as part of propaganda efforts.
Meanwhile, in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed that the ministry is continuing to verify information regarding Indonesian citizens suspected of joining the Russian armed forces through Indonesian representations, 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 purpose regarding these Indonesian citizens.