The Treatment of Refugees in Indonesia: Legal Protections and Human Rights Challenges

Abstract

This paper examines the treatment of refugees in Indonesia, focusing on the country’s legal protections and the human rights challenges faced by refugees. Indonesia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention but hosts a significant number of refugees, primarily from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Syria. The paper explores the legal and policy frameworks governing refugees in Indonesia, including the role of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and the Indonesian government’s non-commitment to permanent resettlement solutions. It critically analyzes the gap between the country’s international human rights obligations and domestic practices regarding refugee treatment. Through a combination of legal analysis and interviews with refugees and advocacy groups, the study highlights the challenges refugees face, including prolonged detention, limited access to work permits, and the lack of social services and education. The paper also examines the role of public opinion, which often views refugees negatively, and the broader political context that shapes the state’s approach to refugees. The study concludes by offering recommendations for improving legal protections, expanding refugee support services, and fostering a more inclusive and humane approach to refugee rights in Indonesia.