# Indonesian government investigates recruitment of citizens

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-citizens-recruitment-in-russian-military
> Updated: 2026-11-04T14:20:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Following reports of Muhammad Taufiq, an Indonesian citizen who died in the Donetsk region while serving as a Russian military machine gunner, the Indonesian government has escalated its diplomatic and legal response. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang, formally requested that Russia cease the recruitment of Indonesian citizens into military or military-related formations. Jakarta has also requested to be officially included on a list of countries whose citizens are excluded from such recruitment.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is investigating human trafficking involving 58 victims, alleging that recruiters used social media to lure citizens with promises of high salaries and bonuses to work as mercenaries. 

Expanding the scope of the inquiry, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs is now investigating allegations that citizens may have been deceived or forcibly recruited. During a coordination meeting in Tangerang, Mohammad K. Koba, Deputy for Foreign Policy Coordination, emphasized the need to distinguish between voluntary enlistment and victims of trafficking or fraud. Authorities are currently examining recruitment operational modes and the legal consequences regarding citizenship for those serving in foreign militaries.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Indonesia investigates alleged human trafficking of citizens recruited as Russian mercenaries

Indonesia is investigating allegations that citizens were deceived or forcibly recruited through human trafficking to serve as mercenaries for the Russian military.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-investigates-alleged-human-trafficking-of-citizens-recruited-as-russian-mercenaries

### 2026-11-01: Indonesia urges Russia to stop recruiting its citizens for military service

Indonesia has urged Russia to stop recruiting its citizens for military service following reports of a citizen's death and police investigations into human trafficking networks recruiting mercenaries.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-urges-russia-to-stop-recruiting-its-citizens-for-military-service

### 2026-10-30: Indonesian citizen reportedly killed in Ukraine while serving in Russian military

An Indonesian man, Muhammad Taufiq, reportedly died in Ukraine after being recruited into the Russian military through a suspected job scam.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesian-citizen-killed-in-donetsk-fighting-after-russian-recruitment

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Cite as: Indonesian government investigates recruitment of citizens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-citizens-recruitment-in-russian-military