Eight Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Recruited as Russian Soldiers, Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Intervenes
The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (FISU) has released data alleging that eight Indonesian citizens have been recruited as soldiers for Russia. Ukrainian intelligence presented identity documents of the Indonesians in question, claiming that promises of high pay, non-combat roles, accelerated Russian citizenship, and social benefits were used to attract individuals who may not have understood their true deployment destinations.
In response, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkendang, stated that the Indonesian government is closely monitoring the information provided by Ukrainian authorities regarding the alleged involvement of several Indonesian citizens in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. She noted that the government is currently verifying this information through Indonesian representatives in Russia and is coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies.
“Information regarding the identities, citizenship status, recruitment process, and the nature of the involvement of the individuals mentioned still needs further verification,” said Yvonne. She added that the Indonesian government will also investigate the possibility of fraud, exploitation, or recruitment through job offers that do not align with their actual purpose. If any Indonesian citizens are found to be victims of such processes, the government will take necessary protective measures in accordance with applicable laws.
Yvonne also urged Indonesian citizens to be cautious of job offers in conflict zones or any offers that could potentially involve them in the military activities of a foreign nation. She emphasised that if the involvement of Indonesian citizens in a foreign military is verified, it remains an individual action and does not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian government.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, also responded to the news. Based on information from Indonesian intelligence authorities, Dasco stated that the recruitment of these citizens was conducted by a third-party nation that allegedly advertised vacancies for high-paying roles such as security personnel or administrative staff. He noted that the individuals applied for these roles and were subsequently sent to serve as soldiers. He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated and dispatched envoys to the relevant countries.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, denied that Russia is recruiting Indonesian citizens into its military. “The Russian representative offices anywhere in Indonesia are not conducting any recruitment for the Russian armed forces,” Tolchenov stated. While he did not deny that foreign nationals—including workers, students, and tourists—might choose to join the Russian military while residing in the country, he maintained that such decisions are the personal responsibility of the individuals involved.
Ambassador Tolchenov emphasised that the Russian Embassy is not involved in the recruitment process of foreign nationals into its military. He acknowledged awareness of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ investigation and stated that the Russian Embassy is ready to assist with the investigation if requested by the Indonesian government.
The list of the eight Indonesian citizens released by Ukrainian intelligence includes:
Yuda Putra Pratama
Haryanto Dwi Kencana
Erwanda
Ngangun Hudri Fadli
Muhammad Syaripudin
M Hadi Maulana
Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar
Helmi Nuraha Hakim