A report that an Indonesian citizen is serving in the Israeli military demands a firm response from Jakarta. If the report is correct, the government must act without delay.

Israel’s campaign in Gaza has devastated civilians. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Civilian deaths have reached staggering levels. Hunger and displacement are widespread. Israel now faces genocide charges before the International Court of Justice. Indonesia has repeatedly condemned these actions.

If an Indonesian citizen is serving in that military, the contradiction is clear.

Israeli army figures show foreign nationals in its ranks from several Muslim majority countries. Morocco, 72. Turkey, 112. Uzbekistan, 264. Indonesia, one. Some will say one person does not matter. It does.

Indonesia’s Constitution commits the country to oppose colonialism. Successive governments have framed support for Palestine through that principle. An Indonesian serving in a military accused of genocide cuts directly against that stance.

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This is about credibility.

One photo of an Indonesian in uniform can spread globally within minutes. Critics will question Indonesia’s consistency. Partners will ask whether Jakarta enforces the principles it promotes.

The government should act on three fronts.

First, verify the facts. Confirm the individual’s citizenship status. Determine whether dual nationality is involved. Indonesian law prohibits voluntary service in a foreign military without state approval. It allows loss of citizenship in such cases. If the report is correct and the person remains an Indonesian citizen who enlisted voluntarily, apply the law.

Second, speak publicly. State clearly that serving in a foreign military accused of genocide before the International Court of Justice contradicts Indonesia’s constitutional principles and foreign policy. Make the legal consequences clear.

Third, strengthen oversight. Monitor online and offline recruitment networks. Coordinate immigration, cyber units, and law enforcement. Act early to prevent similar cases.

Small numbers set precedents. Other countries now have dozens or hundreds of citizens in the Israeli army. That did not happen overnight. It grew over time.

Small numbers set precedents. Other countries now have dozens or hundreds of citizens in the Israeli army. That did not happen overnight. It grew over time.

Citizenship carries obligations. States regulate conduct that affects national security and foreign relations. Serving in a foreign military engaged in active hostilities, especially one facing genocide charges, is not a private matter.

Indonesia presents itself as a consistent defender of Palestinian rights. It has refused to normalize ties with Israel. It has supported accountability efforts. That stance holds weight only if domestic enforcement matches public statements.

If the report is correct, one case is enough to require action. If Indonesia wants to remain credible on Palestine, it must ensure its citizens do not take part in what it publicly condemns.

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The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

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