Natuna Youth Reportedly Forced into Russian Army Before Death
Rendi, a young man from Natuna Regency, Riau Islands (Kepri), has reportedly passed away after allegedly serving as a mercenary defending Russia. The Natuna Regency Government is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this matter.
Starki, the neighbourhood head (RT 03 RW 01) of Air Keruh, Ranai Darat, Natuna, stated that information regarding Rendi’s condition was obtained from his family and associates in Indonesia. “The family received a call from his friend in Indonesia, informing them that he has passed away,” Starki said on Wednesday.
According to Starki, Rendi left Natuna in 2022 in search of work, travelling through Tanjungpinang, Batam, and Jakarta. He had previously worked in the telecommunications sector in the Philippines.
Around February or March 2026, the family learned that Rendi was in Russia. Based on available information, Rendi travelled from Jakarta to Dubai before continuing to Russia around May 2026. The family initially believed Rendi was in Russia working in food logistics rather than as a soldier.
However, the family later claimed Rendi had shared that he was being reassigned from logistics to combat troops. Starki noted that Rendi refused the transfer as it violated his original contract, but felt he had no choice as he could not return to Indonesia because his passport was being held.
Following a period of lost communication, Rendi’s associates in Indonesia confirmed his death. The Regent of Natuna, Cen Sui Lan, responded to the news, stating that the local government is coordinating with the family and the central government.
“The Regency Government has instructed the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) to coordinate with the family. The information we have received is still conflicting. We certainly hope that if he has indeed passed away, a solution can be found to bring him home immediately,” said Regent Cen Sui at the Natuna Regency official residence.
Cen Sui Lan emphasised the need to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the incident, stressing that no Indonesian citizen should serve as a soldier in any foreign nation. “We are deeply saddened that one of our youths had to go abroad to serve as a soldier,” he added.
The Speaker of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, also responded to the news, highlighting the necessity of providing adequate livelihoods for Indonesians. “Our duty is to protect the sovereignty of the state and ensure all Indonesian people remain loyal to the Republic of Indonesia. Offers or inducements involving mercenary work are clearly unjustifiable. On the other hand, we must provide better job opportunities and living standards so that such incidents do not recur,” Muzani stated.