South Jakarta Authorities Clear Foreign Refugees Camping on Pavement Outside UNHCR Office

The South Jakarta City Government has taken action against foreign refugees who were living on the pavement outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office on Jalan Setiabudi Selatan, Kuningan, Setiabudi. Setiabudi Sub-district Deputy Head Rizky Noviana Purnama stated on Thursday that previous enforcement efforts had failed as the refugees returned, prompting numerous public complaints about activities disturbing public order. “We previously carried out enforcement, but they came back and many residents complained about their activities because they disturb public order,” Rizky said. He explained that the operation focused on enforcing public order, maintaining environmental cleanliness, and restoring the pavement’s function as a pedestrian facility. Rizky noted that data collection and enforcement were conducted as part of efforts to find a solution accommodating the refugees’ aspirations, although decisions regarding their status remain entirely under UNHCR’s authority. “We want this issue to be resolved quickly and not drag on so that public comfort and security are maintained,” he said. UNHCR Field Security Associate Linda appreciated the South Jakarta City Government’s efforts in clearing the refugees who had erected tents behind the UNHCR office and in the Atrium Mulia Building area. She stated that while refugees have human rights protected by international law, they must comply with all applicable laws and regulations while in Indonesia. “Regardless of their nationality, if a legal violation occurs, Indonesian security authorities have the right to take firm action,” Linda said. She added that the UNHCR is still seeking a suitable relocation site for the 32 refugees. The refugees will also receive guidance on their obligation to comply with regulations and will be asked to sign a joint statement with immigration authorities. “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, Ruth Caroline, Head of the Registration, Administration and Reporting Section at the Jakarta Immigration Detention House, proposed that all parties immediately determine a representative location for administrative processes and mediation so that refugees no longer set up tents on the pavement. “We request support from the sub-district to determine an appropriate location for carrying out various administrative and mediation processes for the refugees,” she said. She noted that the provisions on refugee handling in Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 are currently undergoing judicial review under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. “The review is being conducted so that the regulation is clearer, ensuring all actions in the field are fully in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” she said.