Indonesia never signed the UN refugee convention and continues to refuse to do so. Refugees cannot work, seek formal education and are restricted in their movement within the country and cities. They are effectively turned into illegal immigrants, kept under surveillance and ostracized by the rest of society.
Even if the asylum seekers are recognized as refugees by the UNHCR, there is no certainty about their release. If they are lucky enough to leave the detention centres, they are then moved into IOM community housing, where they live in limited freedom. This process could take up to three years. However, they are still in danger of getting back to detention if they cross the line on the many restrictions imposed on them.
Unlike other non-signatory countries such as Malaysia, where refugees are allowed to take up casual work and have access to some basic rights, such as education, movement and making a living, Indonesia does not give refugees any work rights.
They also have no travel rights; no right to formal education; they are forbidden to marry outside their own community and from entering into a relationship with a local; curfew is imposed from 6 pm to 10 am; they are punished if they are delayed or fail to return to designated accommodation; they must compulsorily report all their movements to security; and are forbidden to drive any vehicle.
Effectively, all the fundamental human rights of refugees are denied.
“The UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees estimates “only a small number” of the 13,745 refugees waiting in Indonesia will be resettled elsewhere.”
– “Stuck in transit for seven years, a lost generation of boat people loses hope“, Chris Bennett, The Age
The UNHCR has stated it may take up to 25 years or more to resettle refugees as the resettlement countries are reluctant to take them and are constantly reducing their intakes. This is demonstrated through the indefinite stall and delay of the resettlement process towards safe third countries, which in turn destroys the refugee’s wellbeing and takes away any hope of eventual freedom from persecution, isolation and exclusion, as well as any opportunity to rebuild their lives.
For more on the refugee crisis in Indonesia, please click here.
Quinte Refuge 