August 20, 2025 | 10:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Indonesia, Sergei G. Tolchenov, affirmed that they have never received any communication regarding Satria Arta Kumbara, a former Indonesian Navy Marine who claimed to have become a mercenary in Russia.
"Personally, I, my embassy, we did not receive any request from him, from anyone, from his family, not even from the Indonesian government," Tolchenov said at his residence in the Kuningan area, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20.
No Recruitment at the Embassy
Tolchenov emphasized that the embassy is not involved in recruiting foreign citizens for the Russian military. He mentioned that he first learned about the news regarding Satria through Indonesian media reports.
"The Embassy of Russia in Jakarta or the Russian embassies abroad do not open registrations for joining the Russian armed forces. When I found out about this news, I asked our Military Attach, and he stated he did not know. We don't know," he said.
However, he explained that for those already in Russia, there are two possible paths to join the military.
First, there is a one-year mandatory military service for Russian youth. Second, a professional path with a contract, mostly taken by Russian citizens and, in some cases, foreign citizens.
"It seems that this is what this person (Satria) did. But the consequences are borne by oneself, because many countries prohibit their citizens from signing contracts with foreign armed forces," Tolchenov stated.
Personal Responsibility
Tolchenov emphasized that Satria's choice to become a Russian soldier is an individual decision, not a diplomatic matter. He admitted that he was unaware of Indonesia's legal regulations prohibiting its citizens from becoming foreign soldiers.
"This is a personal responsibility. Because he should understand what can and cannot be done as an Indonesian citizen. This is a matter for the Indonesian government," he said.
Previously, Satria posted a video through the TikTok account @zstorm689, asking the Indonesian government to repatriate him from Russia. The request was addressed to President Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Foreign Minister Sugiono.
In the video, he also requested that his Indonesian citizenship be reinstated, claiming that it had been revoked after he signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
"I humbly request President Prabowo, Vice President Gibran, and Minister Sugiono to help terminate this contract," he said.
Editor's Choice: Indonesian Ministry Communicates With Ex-Navy Man Who Asked to Be Repatriated from Russia
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