Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Monday that authorities were coordinating with the immigration and foreign ministries, as well as Indonesian embassies, to verify the claims.
“We need to collect data to confirm whether the individuals concerned are active in foreign military services or whether they still hold Indonesian citizenship. This needs to be ascertained,” Mahendra said.
The cases involve Kezia Syifa, who is reported to be serving in the United States Army National Guard after completing her studies in the United States, and Muhammad Rio, who allegedly deserted his post in the Aceh Police’s Mobile Brigade Corps and is now serving in the Russian army.
Mahendra said both cases have drawn public attention, reflected in news reports and discussions on social media.
However, he stressed that media reports and online posts could not be used as the sole basis to determine their legal status.
“Verified and accurate information must be established before any decision is made, including the revocation of their citizenship,” he said.
The government, he added, would actively pursue the cases by investigating and verifying all relevant information in line with prevailing regulations and procedures.
“Everything must be placed within a legal framework instead of mere assumptions or public judgment,” Mahendra said.
Under Article 23 of Law No. 12 of 2006 on Indonesian Citizenship, joining a foreign military service without presidential authorization results in the automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship.
The law also stipulates that those who lose their citizenship under such circumstances may only regain it by submitting a naturalization application.
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Translator: Agatha Olivia V, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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