Government Investigating Recruitment of Eight Indonesians to Join Russian Military
The Indonesian government is currently verifying information regarding eight Indonesian citizens (WNI) who, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU), have been recruited to join the Russian military. The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that the information requires comprehensive verification, including identities, citizenship status, the recruitment process, and the specific nature of each individual’s involvement.
“We are closely examining the information provided by the Ukrainian side,” Yusril said in a release to Republika on Wednesday (2/8/2026). He noted that the government cannot immediately draw conclusions from the Ukrainian reports before the full fact-checking process is completed. “What must be ensured is who the individuals are, how the recruitment process occurred, what was offered to them, and whether they have indeed entered the Russian military service,” Yuspend.
FISU previously revealed documents allegedly related to the recruitment of eight Indonesians into the Russian military ranks. The eight individuals named in the report include Yuda Putra Pratama (born August 1997), Haryanto Dwi Kencana (1983), Erwanda (1988), Ngangun Hudri Fadli (1978), Muhammad Syaripudin (1994), M Hadi Maulana (1987), Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar (1985), and Helmi Nuraha Hakim (1983).
According to the FISU report, these citizens were allegedly recruited initially with the promise of high-paying jobs, non-combat roles, expedited Russian citizenship, and various other social benefits. FISU stated that recruiters used job offers to attract foreign nationals, who were subsequently directed towards military service.
Yusril stated that the information from Ukraine must be examined from two perspectives. First, regarding the government’s protection of Indonesian citizens who may be victims of fraud or exploitation. Second, regarding the legal consequences if these eight individuals voluntarily joined the Russian military without permission from the President of Indonesia.
Regarding the first aspect, Yusril stated that the government must consider whether the eight individuals are victims. He asserted that the state is obligated to provide protection. “If it is true that our citizens were recruited under the guise of job offers, but were then directed into military service and sent to conflict zones, we must determine if they are victims. The government is obliged to provide protection to Indonesian citizens who are victims,” he said.
On the other hand, Yusril emphasised that Indonesia has clear provisions regarding Indonesian citizens joining foreign military services without presidential permission. He referred to Article 23 of Law No. 12/2006 on the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia. This article, Yusril explained, regulates the loss of citizenship, including for those who enter foreign military service without prior permission from the President.
However, Yusril noted that the application of such provisions must be based on verified facts and carried out through applicable legal procedures. “We cannot determine someone’s citizenship status based solely on news reports or unilateral information. There must be an investigation and a process in accordance with statutory regulations. If it is proven that the conditions for loss of citizenship are met, the government will take steps according to the legal mechanism,” he said.
Yusril added that the loss of citizenship status cannot be based merely on the assumption that someone has joined a foreign army. He noted that the provisions in the Citizenship Law must be implemented through administrative mechanisms, including a Decree from the Minister of Law regarding the loss of citizenship. “In principle, we must not confuse suspicion with legal facts. The government will act based on verified facts and applicable legal provisions.”