Indonesia Verifies Alleged Involvement of Citizens in Russian Military

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Indonesian Government is verifying information from Ukrainian authorities regarding the alleged involvement of several Indonesian citizens in the armed forces of the Russian Federation. Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, said the verification is being carried out through Indonesian diplomatic missions and in coordination with relevant ministries and government agencies.

“Information regarding the identities, citizenship status, recruitment process, and form of involvement of the individuals mentioned still needs to be further verified,” Yvonne said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday, August 31, 2026.

She said Indonesia has clear legal provisions concerning the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the military service of foreign countries, including the consequences for their citizenship status. According to her, the application of these provisions is based on verified facts and follows applicable legal procedures.

The Government will also investigate the possibility of fraud, exploitation, or recruitment through job offers that do not reflect their actual purpose.

“If any Indonesian citizens are found to have been victims in the process, the Indonesian Government will take the necessary protective measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” she said.

The Government urged Indonesian citizens to exercise caution regarding job offers in conflict zones or offers that could potentially involve them in the military activities of foreign countries.

Yvonne stressed that if the involvement of Indonesian citizens in a foreign country's armed forces is verified, such involvement would constitute an individual act and would not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian Government.

“This is an individual act and does not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian Government,” she said.

Indonesia, she added, remains committed to promoting a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reaffirming the importance of respecting the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Previously, Russia was reported to have recruited at least eight Indonesian citizens to join its armed forces and fight in the war against Ukraine. The information was disclosed by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service in a report published on Telegram on August 27.

Quoted by The New Voice of Ukraine on Monday, the agency said it had documents confirming the recruitment of the Indonesian citizens. The recruitment of foreign nationals was described as an effort by the Kremlin to strengthen its forces while also demonstrating global support for the war in Ukraine, amid declining availability of Russian citizens willing to join the military under contract.