Ukraine: Indonesian Citizens Recruited as Russian Mercenaries Promised High Pay and Non-Combat Roles
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FISU) has disclosed that eight Indonesian citizens have been recruited as Russian mercenaries. Ukrainian intelligence stated that these individuals were enticed by promises of high pay and non-combat roles.
“Promises of high pay, non-combat duties, accelerated Russian citizenship, and social benefits attract the interest of people who—often—do not know where they will actually be sent,” stated the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine on its official website.
Ukrainian intelligence noted that similar patterns have previously been applied to citizens from Nepal, Cuba, Kenya, and India. Those recruited are often placed on the front lines of the war without any training.
“Most of them eventually end up placed on the front lines without any training, and some of them died within the first few weeks,” FISU wrote.
FISU released the names and identity data of the eight Indonesian citizens involved:
Yuda Putra Pratama (born 9 August 1997)
Haryanto Dwi Kencana (born 14 July 1983)
Erwanda (born 5 August 1988)
Ngangun Hudri Fadli (born 17 September 1978)
Muhammad Syaripudin (born 3 August 1994)
M Hadi Maulana (born 7 April 19lar 1987)
Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar (born 22 October 1985)
Helmi Nuraha Hakim (born 27 January 1983)
Response from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yvonne Mewengkang, Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the release of the data by Ukrainian Intelligence. She stated that the Indonesian government is closely monitoring the information provided by Ukrainian authorities regarding the alleged involvement of several Indonesian citizens in the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
Yvonne noted that the Indonesian government is currently verifying this information through the Indonesian representative in Russia. She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies.
“Information regarding the identity, citizenship status, recruitment process, and the nature of the involvement of the individuals mentioned still needs to be further confirmed,” Yvonne said in her statement on Monday (31/8).
She stated that Indonesia has clear legal provisions regarding the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the military service of foreign countries, including the consequences for their citizenship status. The application of these provisions is based on verified facts and in accordance with applicable legal procedures.
“The Indonesian government will also investigate the possibility of elements of fraud, exploitation, or recruitment through job offers that do not align with the 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,” she said.
Yvonne urged Indonesian citizens to be cautious of job offers in conflict zones or offers that potentially involve them in the military activities of foreign nations.
“If the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the armed forces of a foreign country is verified, it is an individual action and does not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian Government,” Yvonne added.
Furthermore, Yvonne emphasised that Indonesia remains consistent in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and stresses the importance of respecting the principles of the UN Charter and international law.