Indonesia Explores Refugee Solutions as Global Aid Declines

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is exploring comprehensive solutions for foreign refugees as global humanitarian assistance continues to decline. The issue was discussed during the “Comprehensive Solutions for Foreign Refugees in Indonesia: Seeking Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives” workshop in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The workshop was organized by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), The Asia Displacement Solutions Platform, and Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia. The forum brought together government representatives, international agencies, diplomats, academics, researchers, and civil society organizations.

Changes in United States humanitarian aid policies have reduced funding and personnel support for refugee programs. The impact has affected operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Indonesia.

As of January 2026, Indonesia hosted 12,164 refugees, mainly from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Somalia. Third-country resettlement opportunities remain limited, while repatriation remains difficult because conflicts persist.

Local integration is also not available as a policy option in Indonesia. Therefore, comprehensive solutions are considered important to strengthen refugee self-reliance and reduce aid dependence.

Head of the Center for Political Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Athiqah Nur Alami, said such policies offer broader benefits. She noted that comprehensive approaches can support both refugees and host communities.

“Such measures support improved social coexistence with local communities, contribute sustainably to national development, while also preparing refugees to leave Indonesia through more dignified alternative pathways,” Athiqah said.

She also stressed that stronger cooperation is needed among all stakeholders. The Head of the Research said sustainable initiatives require support from government, civil society, communities, and businesses.

“Multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed to formulate appropriate protection measures, and to ensure that these various initiatives can develop into sustainable mechanisms that benefit both refugees and host communities,” she added.

At the same occasion, Migration Research Team Coordinator at BRIN, Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, emphasized the importance of strengthening national regulations. She said Indonesia needs a stronger legal framework and policy recommendations for revising Presidential Regulation Number 125 of 2016 to accommodate comprehensive refugee solutions.