Ministry of Foreign Affairs Responds to Allegations of Indonesian Citizens Joining Russian Military

The Indonesian government has responded to information from Ukrainian authorities concerning allegations that several Indonesian citizens are involved in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) is currently conducting a verification process regarding this information.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated that the verification process is being carried out through Indonesian overseas representations and in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.

“The Indonesian government is currently verifying this information through Indonesian representations as well as coordinating with relevant ministries or agencies,” Yvonne said in a statement, as reported on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

The Ministry noted that several key pieces of information still need to be confirmed, including the identities and citizenship status of the individuals mentioned, the recruitment process, and the nature of their involvement in the Russian armed forces.

According to Yvonne, Indonesia has legal provisions regarding the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the military service of foreign nations, including the consequences for their citizenship status. However, the application of such regulations can only be carried out based on verified facts and through applicable legal procedures.

The government will also investigate the possibility of fraud, exploitation, or the recruitment of Indonesian citizens through job offers that do not align with their true purpose.

“If there are Indonesian citizens who are victims in this process, the Indonesian government will take the necessary protection measures in accordance with applicable legal provisions,” Yvonne said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Indonesian citizens to increase their vigilance against job offers in conflict zones, particularly those with the potential for involvement in the military activities of foreign nations.

Should the involvement of Indonesian citizens in a foreign military be proven, the government emphasised that such actions are individual decisions and do not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian Government.

Furthermore, Yvonne stated that Indonesia continues to encourage a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasises the importance of respecting the principles of the UN Charter and international law.