Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Ministry of Defense repatriated Indonesian influencer Arnold Putra, who had been detained in Myanmar since 20 December 2024.

“We received information on Arnold’s detention status on 4 July2025 and took immediate action through defense diplomacy as part of a humanitarian effort,” said Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, the Ministry’s Head of Information Bureau, on Tuesday (22/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The ministry collaborated with businessman Hashim Djojohadikusumo and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to negotiate Arnold’s release. 

Myanmar authorities had accused Arnold of illegally entering the country via Thailand and engaging with banned armed groups, including the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

He had been sentenced to seven years under Myanmar’s Immigration Act, Anti-Terrorism Law, and Unlawful Associations Act. Arnold arrived in Indonesia on Monday.

The Defense Ministry urged Indonesians abroad to remain cautious, especially in conflict zones.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)