After 7 Months Detained By Myanmar Authorities., Arnold Putra Finally Returned To Indonesia

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Defense managed to save an Indonesian citizen (WNI) Arnold Putra, who was previously detained by the Myanmar authorities.

Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Secretariat General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang told Antara that the Ministry of Defense is taking defense diplomacy efforts with the Myanmar government in releasing Arnold Putra.

"The Indonesian Ministry of Defense received information regarding Arnold's detention status on July 4, 2025. Responding to this, the Ministry of Defense immediately took proactive steps through a defense diplomacy approach for humanitarian assistance," Frega was quoted as saying by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 22.

Frega said the Ministry of Defense also cooperated with several parties in releasing Arnold. One of them is Hashim Djojohadikusumo and Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF).

"The Ministry of Defense and all parties intensively build communication with the Myanmar government so that they can be released and returned to their homeland which is welcomed by the authorities," said Frega.

Therefore, Frega representing the Ministry of Defense thanked and appreciated all the assistance provided by Hasim and SPF.

To Arnold and all Indonesian citizens abroad, Frega appealed to remain careful in acting, especially in countries that are in conflict.

Now, Frega continued, Arnold Putra has arrived in Indonesia since Monday (21/7) afternoon.

To note, Arnold Putra, known as a celebrity, has been detained by the Myanmar authorities since December 20, 2024.

Arnold is accused of illegally entering Myanmar territory through the Thai border and interacting with armed groups categorized as banned organizations by the Myanmar military government, such as the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

On these charges, Arnold was charged with a violation of the 1947 Immigration Act, the Anti-Terrorism Law, and the Law on the Prohibited Association Article 17(2), and was sentenced to seven years in prison in Insein Prison, Yangon.