Director General of Immigration: Indonesians Serving in Russian Military are Victims

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, stated that the majority of Indonesian nationals (WNI) becoming mercenaries in Russia are victims.

“This is a concern for us because, actually, many of them are victims,” Hendarsam said at the Shangri La Hotel in Jakarta on Tuesday (20/10/2026).

He noted that WNI heading to Russia were offered jobs that did not involve military service.

This circumstance has trapped many within the scope of Human Trafficking Crimes (TPPO).

“So, when they left for Russia, the offer was not to become soldiers. That’s the problem. But, once they are there, what can they do? Returning is difficult, among other issues,” he explained.

In response to this, Hendarsam announced that the Immigration Directorate General has Village Immigration Supervisory Officers (PIMPASA) to prevent TPPO.

He stated that these officers will conduct outreach and community empowerment programs in food security to reduce the need for overseas migration.

Additionally, the government is conducting cyber patrols to identify recruitment advertisements on social media.

“Then, law enforcement. Legally, we regard our citizens as victims. However, there are indeed Indonesian nationals who become perpetrators, recruiters, and agents like that. We are profiling them, and we will enforce the law against them,” he added.

Previously reported, the fate of eight Indonesian citizens allegedly recruited as mercenaries in Russia remains unclear.

This information about the eight WNI emerged first when the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) stated they were among foreigners recruited by Russia to fight against Ukraine.

However, the Russian Embassy in Indonesia denied this claim.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has yet to confirm the accuracy of this information.

The government is still investigating the identities, whereabouts, recruitment processes, and the extent of involvement of all eight individuals.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, emphasized that the government should not jump to conclusions before verifying all information.