Indonesia responded to the data about its citizens in the Russian army
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has begun verifying information about citizens of the country whom Russia may have recruited into its armed forces to participate in the war against Ukraine.
This was reported on August 31 by the Indonesian state news agency Antara, citing a statement by the ministry's spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang.
The verification is being conducted through Indonesia's diplomatic missions in coordination with other ministries and government agencies. The authorities intend to establish the identities of the individuals, their citizenship, the circumstances of possible recruitment, and the nature of their involvement with the Russian armed forces.
“Information about the identity, civil status, recruitment process, and form of involvement of the said persons still requires further confirmation,”, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.
Jakarta emphasized that if the participation of Indonesian citizens in the Russian army is confirmed, it will be considered as their individual action and does not reflect the policy or official position of the Government of Indonesia.
The Foreign Ministry also intends to determine whether deception, exploitation, or employment offers with actual conditions that differed from those promised may have been used during recruitment. If Indonesian citizens are found to have been victims of such schemes, the authorities promise to take legally prescribed measures for their protection.
At the same time, the ministry reminded that Indonesian legislation regulates the service of its citizens in foreign armed forces and provides for possible consequences for their citizenship. However, any decisions will be made only after verifying the facts and completing the legally prescribed procedures.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to exercise caution regarding job offers in conflict zones and vacancies that may involve participation in foreign military forces.
The reason for the verification was a report from Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service on August 27. Ukrainian intelligence claimed to have obtained documents on at least eight Indonesian citizens whom Russia had recruited into its army for the war against Ukraine.
The Indonesian side has not yet confirmed this data. The Foreign Ministry also stated that the country continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
