Foreign Nationals Camp Again Near UNHCR Office in South Jakarta, Sleeping on Roadsides

A number of foreign nationals have once again set up camp on the roadside near the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Joint authorities had previously cleared the area of asylum seekers.

Based on observations at Jalan Setiabudi Selatan, behind the UNHCR office in South Jakarta, on Sunday afternoon, several refugees remained on the roadside. Some were also residing on the pavement.

The majority appeared to be sleeping in the vicinity, whilst others sat in silence, waiting. They were seen living on the pavement and the edge of the road by laying out mats. No tents were visible at the location. Additionally, water gallons were spotted near their mats, along with several suitcases.

The presence of these refugees has attracted attention for disturbing public order, leading to several clearances by the authorities. Those claiming to be refugees had previously erected emergency tents behind the UNHCR office.

‘We have carried out clearances before, but they returned, and many residents have complained about their activities because they disrupt public order,’ said Setiabudi Sub-district Deputy Head Rizky Noviana Purnama.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has since spoken out about the reappearance of foreign nationals camping at the UNHCR office. He stressed that handling refugees is not within his authority but rather that of the central government.

‘Firstly, refugees are the domain of the central government,’ Pramono stated. He asserted that the asylum seekers are using public amenities and disturbing residents’ comfort, and the Jakarta provincial government will not hesitate to take enforcement action. ‘However, if they use the facilities of the Jakarta Provincial Government improperly, I will not hesitate to clear them. We will clear them immediately,’ Pramono added.