Indonesia strips ex-police officer of citizenship for joining Russian forces

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by SCMP’s Asia deskJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:04 AM

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An Indonesian former police officer, Muhammad Rio, has been stripped of his citizenship for joining a foreign armed force without authorization. Rio, previously a member of the Aceh Police’s Mobile Brigade Corps, deserted his post in December. He then contacted superiors in January, claiming he had joined the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force active in the war in Ukraine. The Law Minister stated that joining a foreign military without presidential permission automatically results in loss of Indonesian citizenship, as stipulated by law. Rio had reportedly detailed his registration process and salary in a message to colleagues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tempo 30% Joko Krisdiyanto 40% Jakarta Globe 40% Supratman Andi Agtas ×260% Ukraine ×260% Russia ×270% Aceh Police's Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) ×270% Wagner Group ×280% Indonesia 80% Muhammad Rio ×290%

Keywords

citizenship stripping 90% foreign armed force 80% mercenary force 70% indonesia 70% ukraine war 60% police officer 60% desertion 50% wagner group 50% muhammad rio 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

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Source

South China Morning Post

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90%

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citizenship stripping foreign armed force mercenary force indonesia ukraine war police officer desertion wagner group muhammad rio

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