Eight Indonesians Allegedly Join Russian Military via Civilian Job Offers: House

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Eight Indonesian citizens are suspected of being recruited to serve as soldiers in Russia through offers of civilian jobs promising high salaries. The recruitment was allegedly carried out through third countries before the Indonesian nationals were eventually sent to join the military.

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, said it was obtained from Indonesian intelligence authorities. Based on the initial information received, the Indonesian nationals were reportedly unaware from the outset that the jobs being offered would ultimately lead to their involvement as soldiers.

"We received information from our intelligence authorities that the military recruitment was carried out by third countries, which made it appear as though the positions were for security personnel or administrative staff, with the promise of high salaries," Dasco said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

According to him, the Indonesian nationals subsequently applied for the jobs they had been offered. After going through the recruitment process, however, they were instead sent to serve as soldiers.

"These Indonesian nationals then applied, and from there they were ultimately sent to become soldiers," Dasco said.

He further stressed that the government had taken precautionary measures after receiving information about the alleged recruitment. Indonesian intelligence authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were reportedly coordinating efforts to address the issue.

"Once we received the information, the intelligence authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately took preventive measures, coordinated their efforts, and then sent envoys to those countries," Dasco said.

The measures are considered important to prevent Indonesian nationals from being involved in recruitment schemes disguised as civilian employment, particularly those offering substantial financial incentives. The government is also expected to protect Indonesian nationals while clarifying information about their whereabouts and condition.