Indonesia Urges Russia to Stop Recruiting Its Citizens After DIU Reports Death of Jakarta Taxi Driver

Indonesia has formally urged Russia to stop recruiting Indonesians into its military, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told the Antara news agency on Sunday, November 1. She said Jakarta conveyed the request to Moscow through diplomatic channels. It follows the reported death of an Indonesian who fought for Russia in Ukraine and the list of 292 Indonesians who signed contracts with Russia's army which was published by "I Want to Live".

What Jakarta Asked Moscow For

Mewengkang said Indonesia asked the Russian government to take all necessary steps to make sure no Indonesians are recruited into the Russian military, or into any military-related position in Russia, through any avenue. Jakarta also asked Moscow to put Indonesia on the list of countries exempted from official recruitment of foreign nationals into the Russian military, and expects the request to be implemented effectively and immediately, she said.

She told Antara that Indonesia is particularly concerned about recruitment practices that could amount to human trafficking.

The Taxi Driver Killed a Week After Deployment

The death was disclosed by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence (DIU). The DIU identified the man saying he was born in 1978 and had worked as a taxi driver in Jakarta. According to the DIU, he was recruited into the Russian military for a one-year term and was killed one week after being deployed to the front line in Ukraine.

Mewengkang said the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow is examining and verifying the report, including the man's identity and status. She urged the public not to speculate until official information is available.

Her Advice to Indonesians

Mewengkang urged Indonesians to be careful with job offers abroad: to check job advertisements through official channels, to be wary of unusually high salaries and benefits, and not to sign contracts they do not understand.

A Safe Way Out

Indonesians and other foreign nationals lured into Russia's armed forces have an option to safely escape the battlefield with Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project. See our FAQ for recommendations for victims of Russian military recruitment and their families.