Indonesia: Controversy erupts as ex-soldier fighting for Russia calls for help. "Due to my ignorance, I signed a contract with the Russian ministry of defence, which resulted in the revocation of my citizenship. [...] I humbly ask for your magnanimity to help me terminate this contract and restore my right to citizenship so I can return to Indonesia."
According to France24.com, the video, which has garnered over 1 million views, has sparked significant attention in Indonesia. The individual in question, Satria Arta Kumbara, gained notoriety in May 2025 when his TikTok account, @zstorm689, featured him in both Indonesian military and Russian uniforms. The caption read: "Marines are now fighting with Russia in Ukraine."
Kumbaras LinkedIn activity from April to July 2024 indicated his interest in job opportunities across various countries, including positions in Kuwait, Iraq, and Indonesia. It remains uncertain whether he had left Indonesia at that time.
His journey to Russia reportedly took him through Malaysia and Qatar. TikTok posts from March 2025 showed his presence in Russia, with images depicting his travels through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Ufa Airport in Russia's Bashkortostan region.
In May 2025, Kumbara informed Indonesian media outlet Republika that he was not a mercenary but a regular soldier in the Russian army, fighting alongside citizens from multiple countries.
Kumbara has stated his primary motivation for joining Russia was to earn a living. In a Facebook video, he criticized his detractors and highlighted corruption among authorities. Four days after his recent video, the Marine Corps commander suggested that Kumbara's financial difficulties, exacerbated by online gambling, led him to Russia.
The question of Kumbara's future and citizenship has become a point of contention in Indonesia. He has appealed to Indonesian leaders for assistance, emphasizing the value of his Indonesian citizenship.
The justice minister confirmed that Kumbara's enlistment in Russia led to the loss of his Indonesian citizenship. While scholars and military experts consider Kumbara's actions illegal, he has garnered substantial public support due to economic challenges and perceived corruption in Indonesia.
Public sentiment reflects a mix of support for Kumbara and criticism of the government. Many Indonesians sympathize with Kumbara's situation, citing economic difficulties and low salaries.
Dharmaputra from Airlangga University noted that a segment of the Indonesian population supports Russia in the Ukrainian conflict due to historical ties and anti-Western sentiments.
Recent revelations about Kumbara's lifestyle could shift public opinion. The Indonesian government is reviewing his request for citizenship reinstatement, highlighting the legal, immigration, and military implications involved.
Authorities have advised Indonesians against following Kumbara's example. The ministry of foreign affairs is monitoring the situation, while the ministry of justice affirmed that citizenship can only be regained through a formal application to the president.