Indonesia Vows to Protect Citizens Deceived Into Russia's Military, but Warns Volunteers Could Lose Citizenship

Indonesia's foreign ministry said on September 17 it would extend protection to any citizens confirmed to have been deceived by overseas job offers that led to their recruitment into Russia's military. "If there are Indonesian citizens who are victims, we will of course take the necessary protection measures," ministry spokeswoman Yvonne Mewengkang told reporters in Jakarta, per the Jakarta Globe.

The pledge follows Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service naming eight Indonesian citizens it says were recruited into Russia's armed forces. Indonesia's government said it is still verifying the eight men's identities and citizenship status, how each was recruited, and the nature of their involvement with Russia's military - it has not independently confirmed the deception claims itself.

Protection With a Catch

Mewengkang also warned that any Indonesian who volunteers for a foreign military without the president's prior permission risks losing Indonesian citizenship under the country's 2006 Citizenship Law - meaning the promised protection turns on whether someone is found to have been deceived rather than a willing volunteer, a distinction the ministry has not yet resolved for any of the eight men.

A Message to the Minister

Mewengkang said one of the men believed to have joined Russia's military had sent a WhatsApp message to her personal number as ministry spokesperson, asking that it be forwarded to Foreign Minister Sugiono. She declined to identify the sender or disclose its contents.

The Alleged Pitch, and Moscow's Denial

Per Ukrainian intelligence, the men were drawn in with offers of high salaries, non-combat roles, an accelerated path to Russian citizenship, and social benefits, and - as with other cases we've documented - were often not told where they'd ultimately be deployed. The Russian embassy in Jakarta has denied recruiting Indonesians or any other foreign nationals; Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov said Russian missions in Indonesia play no role in military recruitment, while acknowledging some foreigners living or traveling in Russia have chosen on their own to join its armed forces.

Get Out Safely

Indonesians or other foreign nationals who joined Russia's armed forces under false promises and want out have a safe option through Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project. See our FAQ on how to safely surrender to Ukrainian forces.

Source: Jakarta Globe