Justice for the Displaced: The Role of Art in Representing the Struggles of Communities Affected by Forced Migration in Indonesia

Abstract

In recent years, forced migration has become an increasingly prominent issue in Indonesia, as people from conflict zones and marginalized communities are displaced within and outside the country. This paper examines how contemporary Indonesian artists use their work to represent the experiences of refugees, internally displaced persons, and marginalized groups, whose struggles often remain underrepresented in mainstream media. It explores the role of art in communicating the emotional, social, and political dimensions of displacement, and how it acts as a form of resistance, healing, and advocacy. Through analyzing specific works of art, exhibitions, and community-based art projects, this study explores the implications of representing displaced communities through art and how these representations contribute to broader conversations about justice, human rights, and social equity in Indonesia.