Government Verifying 8 Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Joined Russian Military, Yusril: Exercise Caution
The Indonesian government is currently undertaking in-depth verification steps regarding information concerning eight Indonesian citizens (WNI) who are reported to have joined the Russian military. This news first emerged based on reports from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU).
The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Emancipation, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasised that the government will not rush to conclusions. According to him, every piece of incoming information, especially from foreign parties, must be scrutinised with the principle of caution before determining legal actions or protection measures.
“The information provided by the Ukrainian side will certainly be examined. However, we must not immediately draw conclusions before all facts are verified,” Yusril stated in a written statement on Wednesday (2/9).
Yusril explained that the verification process will cover several crucial points, ranging from the validity of identities to the motives behind these Indonesian citizens joining a conflict zone. The government aims to ensure whether their presence there is a result of personal choice or if they have become victims of fraudulent job offers.
If it is proven that these Indonesian citizens are victims of exploitation or were tricked by job offers that ultimately led to military placement, Yusril emphasised that the state is obligated to provide protection. On the other hand, Yusril reminded that there are serious legal consequences if Indonesian citizens are proven to have joined a foreign army consciously and without the President’s permission. This is strictly regulated under Article 23 of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia.
However, he emphasised that the revocation of citizenship status cannot be carried out unilaterally based solely on media reports or foreign intelligence information. “There must be an investigation and a process in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations,” he added.
Cases of Indonesian citizens’ involvement in foreign militaries are not unprecedented. The government has noted several names previously detected joining military forces abroad. As an anticipatory measure, the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to trace these recruitment patterns. The public is also urged to be wary of overseas job offers promising high salaries but located in armed conflict zones.
“We will first ensure the facts. The state has an interest in protecting its citizens, but at the same time, we must also uphold the law. Therefore, both must proceed,” Yusril concluded.