Indonesia responds to reports of its citizens fighting for Russia
Photo: Indonesian military personnel (Russian media)
Indonesia has begun verifying reports about its citizens serving in the Russian military. Jakarta is also investigating whether they may have been recruited under the guise of employment, ANTARA News reports.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said that the identities of the individuals, their citizenship, the circumstances of their recruitment and the nature of their possible involvement in the war still need to be further verified.
The verification is being carried out through Indonesia’s diplomatic missions and in coordination with relevant ministries and government agencies.
At the same time, Jakarta has already distanced itself from the possible participation of its citizens in the war on Russia’s side.
"If Indonesian citizens are victims of such a process, the Indonesian government will take the necessary protective measures in accordance with applicable law," Yvonne stressed.
Indonesia investigates possible deception
The authorities also intend to determine whether Indonesians may have fallen victim to fraud, exploitation or recruitment under the pretext of employment.
This refers to situations in which a person may be offered a job that actually involves participation in military activities.
"If Indonesian citizens are victims of such a process, the Indonesian government will take the necessary protective measures in accordance with applicable law," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Indonesia also has legal provisions governing its citizens’ service in the armed forces of foreign states. These include possible consequences for citizenship. Decisions, however, must be based on verified facts and made in accordance with the law.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens to exercise caution when considering job offers in conflict zones and any offers that could involve military activities on behalf of another state.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Russia had recruited at least eight Indonesian citizens into its armed forces to take part in the war against Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, documents confirming the recruitment had been obtained.
