IOM Holds Training on Refugee Rights and Protection in Batam

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in cooperation with the Barelang Resort Police, held a training session on refugee protection rights and referral mechanisms in Lubuk Baja District, Batam City, yesterday. The training was attended by representatives from local government agencies, law enforcement, community organisations, Immigration Detention Centre managers, and officials from sub-districts and wards in the area. The event began with an interactive session titled ‘In the Refugee’s Shoes’, specifically designed to allow participants to deeply feel and understand the experiences and daily life challenges faced by refugees. Afterwards, participants received a comprehensive presentation on the refugee protection framework, referencing international legal provisions and national laws and regulations. Beyond the basic material, the training also addressed other crucial issues, including the handling of gender-based violence, protection for vulnerable groups, and the prevention and handling of sexual exploitation and abuse cases, known as PSEA. Present to support the activity were the Head of the National Unity and Political Affairs Agency of Batam City, Riama Manurung, IOM Central Facilitator Ali Ramli Aulia, and IOM Batam representatives Khairul and Chris Simamora. Also in attendance were several police officials, including Sekupang Police Sector IK Unit Head Ipda Pebriadi, Lubuk Baja Police Sector Binmas Unit Head Iptu Indra, along with intelligence and security personnel from the Barelang Resort Police and related police sector ranks. Other agencies also participated, including representatives from the Immigration Detention Centre, the Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning, the Manpower Office, the Population and Civil Registration Office, the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children, the Embung Pelangi Foundation, the Civil Service Police Unit, and local officials from Sekupang and Lubuk Baja Sub-districts. Lubuk Baja Police Sector Head, Kompol Deni Langie, who acted as the area’s responsible officer, stated that the training primarily aims to enhance participants’ capacity and knowledge in identifying and responding to various emerging protection issues. Furthermore, the activity is expected to strengthen inter-agency coordination and promote a rights-based approach in managing the presence of refugees in Batam. ‘We hope to forge stronger synergy between the government, law enforcement, international organisations, and all other stakeholders. With that, optimal protection for refugees can be realised and implemented in accordance with applicable legal provisions,’ he said on Sunday (14/6). In the final session, all participants jointly mapped protection issues in the field, developed better handling strategies, and designed a collaborative action plan to build a more integrated and effective protection system going forward.