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Indonesia Warns Russia Over Military Recruitment That Could Amount to Human Trafficking
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Indonesia has asked Russia to halt the recruitment of Indonesian nationals into its military following reports that an Indonesian citizen was killed while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, Indonesian outlet Antara reported on November 1.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported on October 27 that the individual, identified by the initials MT, was born in 1978 and had previously worked as a taxi driver in Jakarta. According to the agency, he signed a one-year contract with the Russian military and was killed one week after being deployed to the front.
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Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed that Jakarta formally conveyed the request to Moscow through diplomatic channels.
“The Indonesian government asked the Russian government to take all necessary steps to ensure that no Indonesians will be recruited into the Russian military or any other military-related position in Russia through any avenues,” Mewengkang told Antara.
She added that Indonesia was particularly concerned that some recruitment practices could amount to human trafficking.
Jakarta also asked Moscow to place Indonesia on a list of countries exempted from any official recruitment of foreign nationals into the Russian military, with the government seeking immediate implementation.
The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow is also verifying reports about an Indonesian national who fought for Russian forces in Ukraine, according to Antara.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow is examining and verifying the report, including the individual’s identity and status,” Mewengkang stated.
Russia has also recruited foreign nationals from other countries for its war against Ukraine. In September, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Russian military structures had identified at least 27 Yemeni nationals for deployment to combat zones, using promises of pay and legal status in Russia.
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