Foreign Refugees Camping on UNHCR Office Pavement in South Jakarta to Be Relocated
The South Jakarta City Administration has taken action against foreign refugees who were living on the pavement outside the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Jalan Setiabudi Selatan, Kuningan, Setiabudi. They were targeted for disturbing public order.
"We have previously conducted enforcement, 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, as quoted by Antara on Thursday (2/7/2026).
Rizky said the effort was focused on enforcing public order, maintaining environmental cleanliness, and restoring the pavement’s function as a facility for pedestrians. He explained that data collection and enforcement were carried out as part of efforts to find a solution that could accommodate the refugees’ aspirations.
"We want this problem to be resolved quickly and not drag on so that public comfort and safety are maintained," he said.
Field Security Associate for Security and Safety Handling at UNHCR, Linda, appreciated the South Jakarta administration’s efforts to clear the refugees who had set up tents behind the UNHCR office. According to her, the refugees have human rights protected by international law, but they are still obliged to comply with all regulations in force in Indonesia.
"Regardless of their nationality, if a violation of the law occurs, Indonesian security authorities have the right to take firm action," she said.
Linda added that her office is still trying to find a suitable relocation site for the 32 refugees. Meanwhile, the refugees will be given guidance on their obligation to obey the rules and will be asked to sign a statement letter with the immigration office.
"If violations occur again, firm action will be taken. We hope they understand their obligation to obey the law while in Indonesia," she said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Registration, Administration, and Reporting at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Centre, Ruth Caroline, proposed that all parties immediately determine a representative location for carrying out administrative and mediation processes. This is so that the refugees no longer set up tents on the pavement.
"We request the support of the sub-district authorities to determine an appropriate location for carrying out various administrative and mediation processes for the refugees," she said.
She said that the provisions on handling refugees in Presidential Regulation Number 125 of 2016 are currently undergoing a judicial review under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.
"The review is being carried out so that the regulation is clearer, ensuring that all actions in the field are truly in accordance with the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations," she said.