Jakarta Governor Stresses Refugee Issue Is Central Government’s Authority

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has emphasized that the matter of foreign refugees living on the sidewalks outside the UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) office in Kuningan, Setiabudi Subdistrict, South Jakarta falls under the jurisdiction of the central government.

He noted that while the provincial administration will act if public facilities are misused, the broader responsibility lies with the national authorities.

“This refugee issue is the domain of the central government,” Pramono said on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara. He added that the city would not hesitate to take firm action if refugees disrupt public order by occupying provincial facilities.

Earlier, the South Jakarta City Administration had attempted to remove refugees camping near the UNHCR office, but many returned, prompting complaints from residents.

“We carried out enforcement before, but they came back, and residents reported disturbances to public order,” said Setiabudi Deputy Subdistrict Head Rizky Noviana Purnama.

UNHCR’s Field Security Associate Linda welcomed the city’s efforts to maintain order while stressing that refugees’ human rights remain protected under international law.

“Regardless of nationality, if laws are violated, Indonesian authorities have the right to take firm action,” she concluded, adding that UNHCR is working to find relocation options for the 32 refugees currently affected.

The situation highlights the tension between humanitarian obligations and local administration in Jakarta. While UNHCR seeks long-term relocation solutions, the provincial and central governments continue to balance public order with international commitments. ***