Desertion case sparks legal debate over citizenship loss and mercenary involvement abroad
A shocking case involving an Indonesian police officer fighting in a foreign war has triggered ethical, legal, and national security questions, highlighting the personal risks faced by citizens who choose to become mercenaries overseas.
Desertion from Aceh Police
Second Brigadier Muhammad Rio, a member of the Mobile Brigade Unit of the Aceh Regional Police, has been declared a deserter after leaving his post without authorization in early December 2025. According to Aceh Police spokesperson Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, Rio had been absent since December 8, 2025, and failed to respond to repeated summons issued on December 24, 2025, and January 6, 2026.
Evidence of Overseas Movement
Investigations revealed that Rio traveled from Soekarno Hatta International Airport to Shanghai on December 18, 2025, before continuing to Haikou the following day. Authorities later confirmed through passport records, flight data, and digital evidence that he had joined Russian mercenary forces. On January 7, 2026, Aceh Police officially listed him as a wanted person, although Rio contacted police the same day via WhatsApp, sending photos and videos confirming his enlistment.
Joining Russia’s Foreign Legion
In his messages, Rio detailed the recruitment process and disclosed his compensation. He claimed to have received an initial signing bonus of 2 million rubles, equivalent to Rp420 million, or approx. SGD 33,600. He also stated that his monthly salary amounted to 210,000 rubles, or Rp42 million, approx. SGD 3,360. Authorities believe he is currently stationed in the Donbass region, fighting alongside foreign legions in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Prior Ethical Violations
Before his desertion, Rio already had a disciplinary record. In May 2025, the Indonesian National Police Ethics Commission sanctioned him for an extramarital affair and an unregistered marriage, resulting in a demotion and reassignment to Brimob Headquarters Service. Following his disappearance, two ethics hearings were held in January 2026, both in absentia, culminating in his dishonorable discharge from the Indonesian National Police.
Legal Standpoint on Mercenaries
International law expert Hikmahanto Juwana from the University of Indonesia clarified that the Indonesian government is not legally required to prevent citizens from becoming foreign mercenaries. However, he emphasized that citizens must bear the consequences of their actions, including the automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship when joining a foreign military force.
A Pattern Emerging
Rio’s case is not isolated. A former Indonesian marine, Satria Arta Kumbara, previously lost his citizenship after signing a contract with Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Kumbara later appealed publicly for repatriation and restoration of citizenship, underscoring the irreversible legal consequences faced by Indonesians who enlist in foreign armed forces.
The case of Muhammad Rio underscores the serious ethical and legal ramifications of foreign mercenary involvement, particularly for uniformed personnel bound by national duty. As Indonesia continues to reinforce its legal framework on citizenship and military allegiance, the issue serves as a stark reminder of how personal decisions can carry lasting consequences that extend beyond borders, affecting diplomatic credibility and national security perceptions across the region.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , EN Tempo 2 (2026)
Keywords: Muhammad Rio Brimob, Russian Mercenaries, Indonesian Citizenship Law, Aceh Police Case, Ukraine War
