Indonesia Examines Contracts of Citizens Who Joined Russia’s Military

JAKARTA, Indonesianpost.com — Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry says efforts to repatriate Indonesian citizens who joined Russia’s military to fight against Ukraine must follow established procedures.

“We will first review the contracts they have signed to avoid breaching local regulations wherever possible before we can bring them home,” Heni Hamidah, the ministry’s director for the protection of Indonesian citizens, said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Heni said the ministry would coordinate with relevant authorities in Indonesia and abroad and examine any contracts the citizens had signed in Russia as part of the repatriation process.

If repatriation is possible, she said, officials must ensure the citizens are no longer bound by any contractual obligations that would prevent them from leaving Russia.

Heni also said Indonesia’s embassies in Kyiv and Moscow would continue to prioritize the citizens’ protection and uphold their rights throughout the repatriation process.

Speaking at the same event, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stressed that Indonesia was taking the involvement of its citizens in Russia’s military seriously.

The ministry will continue coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the safety of the Indonesian citizens involved.

“We will ensure that the Indonesian citizens concerned receive protection in accordance with applicable law,” Yvonne said.

The ministry again urged Indonesians to verify the legitimacy of overseas job offers, particularly those involving countries engaged in conflict.

Yvonne advised people to reject job offers promising unusually high pay and not to sign contracts they do not understand. [Antara/Bilah]