BRIN develops model to empower foreign refugees in Indonesia
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed a model to empower and devise potential strategies for refugees coming to Indonesia.
Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, a researcher at BRIN’s Political Research Center, stated that the model takes the form of capacity building, which can enhance resilience, independence, and dignity as part of the solution to relocate to a third country while benefiting the Indonesian people.
“Our recommendation is a governance strategy to empower foreign refugees in Indonesia to promptly transit to a third country and bring benefits to local communities,” she explained during a workshop in Jakarta on Monday.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that the total number of foreign refugees in Indonesia reached 12,704 as of May 2023.
Most of the refugees, 6,663 individuals, originated from Afghanistan, followed by 1,356 from Myanmar, 1,250 from Somalia, and 614 from Iraq.
“The total number of refugees has actually decreased. Although there has been an addition of Rohingya, the overall figure has decreased to below 13,000 people,” Pudjiastuti said.
She emphasized that foreign refugees are not ordinary foreign citizens arriving in Indonesia, but the country cannot expel them due to its adherence to the principle of non-refoulement.
According to the UNHCR, refugees in Indonesia are in good condition. Around 24% of them are in the process of resettlement to other countries, and 4% have departed Indonesia through resettlement programs.
“With this program, Indonesia is in a favorable position as other countries have less than 1%,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pudjiastuti explained that there are three alternative pathways that can expedite refugees’ access to third countries: the personal sponsorship pathway, the education pathway, and the workforce pathway.
Through the private sponsorship pathway, 144 individuals have departed for third countries as of May 2023, she informed.
UNHCR also noted that two refugees went to Lithuania (LCC International University) and two to the United States (Columbia University and University of Minnesota) for education.
Regarding the labor sector, four refugees secured employment in Australia and are in the process of preparing visas for departure. Additionally, two other refugees received job offers in Canada, and one of them left in May 2023.
“The three pathways have shown positive outcomes in real life, although they are not widely implemented. Nevertheless, we have no human rights concerns, and the program is progressing and improving,” she said.
