Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, November 13, 2026 at 03:41 PM UTC

Indonesians recruited as Russian mercenaries face death-bound contract

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Redemptus Elyonai Risky, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Some were even promised bonuses if they successfully shot Ukrainian soldiers and could provide video evidence of it,

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Police revealed that Indonesians recruited as mercenaries in Russia were allegedly bound by contracts requiring them to serve until the end of the war in Ukraine or until their deaths in combat, contrary to the one-year contracts promised by the recruitment syndicate.

West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Senior Commissioner Nasriadi said the victims were deployed to front-line positions and had their access to communication and information restricted to prevent them from escaping.

“They were confined, restrained, and bound by contracts requiring them to serve until their deaths or until the war between Russia and Ukraine ends. They could not return home. The one-year contract was merely a lure,” he said on Friday.

According to statements from the victims’ families included in police reports, several Indonesians who had been deployed to Russia met tragic ends.

Some reportedly died, but their burial locations remain unknown, while others have completely lost contact with their families.

One victim sustained severe injuries after stepping on a landmine, resulting in the amputation of his leg.

However, after receiving medical treatment, he was allegedly forced to return to the front lines.

Of the 15 Indonesian citizens recorded as having departed for Russia, police said only one remained in contact with their family, while the others had lost contact or were presumed dead.

Police also revealed that the recruitment syndicate promised additional payments to Indonesians who fought for Russia if they shot Ukrainian troops during combat.

Nasriadi said the syndicate lured victims with promises of high salaries.

“Some were even promised bonuses if they successfully shot Ukrainian soldiers and could provide video evidence of it,” he added.

The prospect of additional rewards was a major attraction for the victims, most of whom were casual workers, laborers, private-sector employees, and even former online gambling administrators in Cambodia who had no military experience, Nasriadi said.

Of the 23 Indonesian citizens identified as having been targeted by the recruitment network, 15 were flown to Russia, while the remaining eight were prevented from departing by airport officials.

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