Refugee Handling Policy in Indonesia: Case Study of Rohingya in Aceh

Saragih, Benny M. and Damayanti, Angel (2024) Refugee Handling Policy in Indonesia: Case Study of Rohingya in Aceh. International Journal of Humanities Social Science and Management (IJHSSM), 4 (2). pp. 279-292. ISSN 3048-6874

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper presents an analysis of the refugee handling of the Rohingyas in Aceh, who faced rejection in 2023. The Aceh people rejected them by spreading negative news on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram and through student demonstrations at refugee camps, which ultimately led to their expulsion. The article examines the Indonesian government's policy in handling the arrival of Rohingyas and the rejection they experience, using a juridical-conceptual approach and public policy theory. Although Indonesia is not a signatory state to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Article 28G of the 1945 Indonesian Constitution recognizes asylum seekers' rights. Indonesia is obligated to fulfill the rights of refugees based on Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 concerning the Handling of Refugees from Abroad. Based on the theory of Public Policy and the applicable regulations, the central government needs to increase collaboration with local governments involving the people of Aceh. The authors recommend that the Government revise Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 to include a time limit for the presence of refugees in Indonesia, and regulate communication and coordination mechanisms between the central government, local governments, and international organizations to seek the repatriation of refugees, or direct them to destination countries.

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