Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, has issued a statement regarding former Indonesian Navy soldier Satria Kumbara, who had joined the Russian Army (VSR) as a war volunteer and now seeking repatriation to Indonesia.

He did not explicitly confirm Satria's presence in Russia as a war volunteer, but did say that foreigners could join the VSR while in Russia.

"For foreign citizens already in Russia and wishing to join the Russian armed forces, this is possible; they can sign a contract," Tolchenov told a press conference at the Russian Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Tolchenov said there are two ways for someone to become part of the VSR.

“First, almost all young Russians are required to complete one year of mandatory military service,” he said.

"Second, interested individuals sign contracts to join the VSR. And those individuals can be Russians and, in some cases, foreigners," he added, while stressing that only professionals can join the VSR.

He said further that if an Indonesian officially and legally came to Russia, they could sign the contract.

"And I'm sure this person did. But all other consequences are on him, because, you know, quite a lot of countries prohibit such activities," he noted.

He further cited that many countries prohibit their citizens from signing contracts with foreign militaries.

Tolchenov underlined that Satria, as an Indonesian citizen, should understand what is allowed and what is not.

"I don't know what the rules are here in Indonesia, in your Constitution, in your laws. But if Mr. Kumbara violates Indonesian regulations, that is his personal responsibility," he said.

Tolchenov admitted to learning about Satria Kumbara from Indonesian media. Upon reading the story, he immediately asked the Russian military attaché about foreign military registration.

"Because, yes, I want to officially inform you that the Russian Embassy in Jakarta, or any Russian Embassy anywhere in the world, we do not conduct registration for the Russian armed forces," he said.

Satria Kumbara has been in the public spotlight since May 2025 after a video of him wearing a Russian military uniform went viral on social media via the TikTok account @zstorm689. In the video, he participated in a military operation alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.

The Indonesian Navy has confirmed the figure as Sergeant Second Class Satria Arta Kumbara, who was discharged from military service in 2023. Then, in July 2025, Satria appealed to the Indonesian government to repatriate him and restore his status as an Indonesian citizen.

Satria then apologized for signing a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense that resulted in the revocation of his Indonesian citizen status. He also asked President Prabowo Subianto to help revoke the contract and repatriate him.