Government Still Verifying 8 Indonesians Allegedly Recruited by Russian Army
The government is still verifying information regarding eight Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are alleged to have been recruited to join the armed forces of the Russian Federation, including the possibility that they may be victims of recruitment or have consciously entered foreign military service.
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that verification is being conducted regarding their identities, citizenship status, the recruitment process, and the extent of each individual’s involvement.
“The information provided by the Ukrainian side is certainly being closely examined. However, we must not jump to conclusions before all facts have been verified,” Yuslam said in Jakarta on Wednesday (2/9).
According to him, the government needs to confirm the identities of the Indonesians, the recruitment process, what was offered to them, and the truth regarding their involvement in Russian military service.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU) previously revealed that it had obtained several documents claimed to be related to the recruitment of at least eight Indonesians into the Russian military ranks. The eight individuals named in the report are Yuda Putra Pratama, Haryanto Dwi Kencana, Erwanda, Ngangun Hudri Fadli, Muhammad Syaripudin, M Hadi Maulana, Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar, and Helmi Nuraha Hakim.
According to the report, these Indonesians were allegedly initially recruited with offers of employment and the lure of high salaries, non-combat duties, accelerated Russian citizenship, and various social benefits. FISU stated that recruiters used job offers to attract foreign nationals, who were then subsequently directed into military service.
Yusril said that if this information is proven true, the government must view the issue from two perspectives: the protection of Indonesian citizens who may be victims of fraud or exploitation, and the legal consequences if they have consciously joined a foreign military service without the President’s permission.
“If it is true that our citizens were recruited under the guise of job offers, but were then directed to join the military and sent to a conflict zone, we must certainly determine whether the person involved is a victim,” he said. He emphasised that the government is obligated to provide protection to Indonesian citizens who are victims.
On the other hand, Yusrl noted that Indonesia has provisions regarding Indonesian citizens who join foreign military services without the President’s permission. Article 23 of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia regulates the loss of citizenship, including for Indonesians who enter foreign military service without prior permission from the President.
However, Yusril emphasised that the application of such provisions must be based on verified facts and through applicable legal procedures. He stated that a person’s citizenship status cannot be determined solely based on news reports or unilateral information, but must undergo research and processes in accordance with statutory regulations.
“If it is proven that the provisions for loss of citizenship are met, the government will certainly take steps according to the legal mechanism,” he said.
Yusril explained that the loss of citizenship 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 decision by the Minister of Law regarding the loss of citizenship. He stressed that allegations must not be confused with legal facts, and therefore the government will act based on verified facts and applicable legal provisions.