Indonesian authorities are verifying reports from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine regarding eight citizens allegedly recruited to fight for the Russian military in Ukraine. According to Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the government is investigating identities, citizenship status, and recruitment methods to determine if the individuals were exploited or joined voluntarily.
Government Investigation and Verification Efforts
According to statements made by Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra on September 2, 2026, the Indonesian government needs to thoroughly check identities, citizenship status, the recruitment process, and the exact extent of involvement. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine previously supplied documents naming eight Indonesian citizens: Yuda Putra Pratama, Haryanto Dwi Kencana, Erwanda, Ngangun Hudri Fadli, Muhammad Syaripudin, M. Hadi Maulana, Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar, and Helmi Nuraha Hakim.
Separately, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated on August 31, 2026, that verification is actively underway through Indonesian diplomatic missions and relevant government agencies. Yvonne emphasized that the government must investigate whether these individuals were targeted with fraudulent job offers promising high salaries, non-combat duties, expedited Russian citizenship, and social benefits.
Legal Consequences and Citizenship Status
If the allegations are proven true, Minister Yusril noted that Jakarta faces two primary concerns: protecting citizens who may be victims of fraud or exploitation, and enforcing legal consequences for citizens who enter foreign military service without presidential permission. Under Article 23 of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Indonesian Citizenship, citizens can lose their nationality if they join a foreign military without prior permission from the President.
Yusril stressed that citizenship status will not be revoked based solely on one-sided foreign reports. Legal mechanisms and documented proof are required before authorities take any formal steps regarding the loss of citizenship.
Individual Action Versus State Policy
Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang underlined that any verified involvement by Indonesian nationals in the Russian armed forces constitutes a strictly individual act. She stated that such actions do not represent the official policy or position of the Indonesian government.
Indonesia maintains its commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict while upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. In light of these developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Indonesian citizens to exercise caution regarding job offers in conflict zones or proposals that risk entangling them in foreign military operations.
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