In limbo: A UNHCR delegation inspecting a Rohingya refugees' temporary shelter at a government building in Banda Aceh in April. Indonesians are less welcoming of refugees now as more and more become stranded there due to the lack of resettlement plans. — AFP
IN recent months, the shores of Aceh in Indonesia have seen a steady influx of boats carrying refugees, contributing to the existing population of displaced individuals in the country.
Once regarded as a safe haven for Rohingya refugees, Aceh has now adopted a stance of aloofness, treating these refugees as outsiders rather than fellow humans in need of compassion and support.
According to United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Indonesia currently hosts 13,458 refugees from 51 different countries, with around 8% of these being Rohingya refugees.
Most of the rest are from Afghanistan. Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia has become a critical transit point for refugees, owing to its vast archipelago consisting of 17,000 islands and an extensive coastline spanning 99,000km that provides ample opportunities for boat entry.
However, this transient status has turned into a prolonged limbo for many refugees, with some being stranded in Indonesia for up to eight years, and others living in the country for over 15 years with no prospects of resettlement. Why does the resettlement process to the destination take years? Well, let us just leave the question for the UNHCR and state members to answer.
While it is understandable that Indonesia, like other nations, harbours concerns about the strain refugees may place on limited resources, it is imperative to view this issue through a lens of shared humanity and moral responsibility. Refugees do not choose to leave their homes; they are compelled to flee persecution, violence and conflict, often rooted in religious or ideological tensions.
Indonesia has long been a crucial transit point for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries. However, as a nation that did not ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia's treatment of refugees has often been characterised by restrictions and limitations that hinder their integration and ability to lead dignified lives.
The current policy framework, which prohibits refugees from accessing education, employment and social security benefits, reflects a pragmatic but arguably inhumane approach.
This situation raises questions about the efficacy and humanity of Indonesia's refugee policies. While acknowledging resource constraints, it is time for the Indonesian government to shift from a purely assistance-based approach to empowerment and integration. In fact, several individuals and organisations have led by example, showing the other side of the coin when it comes to handling refugees' wellbeing.
Social businesses such as Liberty Society and grassroots efforts like the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Information Centre (RAIC) Indonesia highlight the potential for refugees to achieve empowerment and self-reliance. Refugees often face uncertainty, made worse by limited job opportunities that often confine them to charitable work. This dependence can lead to mental health challenges.
Recognising this issue, Liberty Society empowers refugees, aiming to equip them with practical skills that facilitate their resettlement process. The social business was recently featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 under 30 2024 in the social impact category. Iranian asylum seeker Mozhgan Moarefizadeh has experienced a similar life as an outsider in a foreign land.
Due to her refugee status, she was denied basic needs during her stay in Indonesia for almost 15 years. Along with her friend Jafar Salemi, another Iranian refugee, she established RAIC, a volunteer-led initiative, a few years ago.
They rely on sporadic donations but have been overwhelmed with requests for aid from desperate refugees, indicating the pressing need for support. These efforts have received tremendous support from Indonesians, myself included, especially in providing medical and legal access.
The refugee-led organisation once received funding worth US$3mil to support their work with other South-East Asian refugee organisations. Mozghan’s inspiring story was produced as a podcast titled “The Wait”, which won Amnesty Australia Media Awards in 2021.
Situated in Bogor regency, West Java, lies a glimpse of hope for the refugees to get access to education: learning centres for refugee children such as RLC, RLN, Roshan and HELP initiated by fellow refugees along with Indonesians.
These centres emphasise English-language education, which is crucial for potential resettlement. These efforts show hope and commitment to a progressive refugee policy in Indonesia. As a Muslim-majority country, Indonesia is in a unique position to showcase solidarity and empathy by extending a helping hand to refugees.
This is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative grounded in our collective values of compassion and justice. Aceh, with its historical reputation as a refuge, can play a pivotal role in reshaping Indonesia's approach to refugees.
The province that enacts sharia can lead by example and become a beacon of hope and compassion for refugees in Indonesia and beyond. Moreover, the economic argument for refugee integration cannot be ignored. Recent studies have shown that refugees when allowed to work and access education, not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the host country's economy.
The studies illustrate a positive net fiscal impact of refugees on the United States economy over 15 years. Collectively, these groups have contributed a staggering US$123.8bil (RM582.7bil) more than they have cost in governmental expenditures, highlighting their economic benefit. Indonesia can learn from models like Iran's inclusive education policies for refugee children and collaborate with organisations like the UNHCR to ensure quality education and employment opportunities for refugees by embracing a holistic approach to creating a conducive environment for refugees to thrive.
It is time to move beyond transient responses and embrace a vision of inclusivity and humanity. Aceh might have had a change of heart toward refugees recently, but perhaps a second thought is all it takes for a better change that will benefit us all. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
Alldo Fellix Januardy is a managing partner at the Jakarta-based AVYA law firm, which has offered pro bono advice to various refugee foundations, and an advisor at RAIC Indonesia and Same Skies International.
