Second, leadership support at all levels of government, from the central government and institutional support, down to the regions. It is important to have national leadership with a unified voice, so that there are no contradictory opinions at a high level of government. This can confuse the public and be exploited as a media commodity, or even politicized by certain quarters with vested interests. In addition, the Communications and Information Ministry (Kominfo) should restrict the spread of divisive news in the media, to prevent it from polarizing society. In addition, strengthening the Special Task Force for Refugee Handling is absolutely essential, considering that so far not all of its members understand its function. However, it is also understandable, because it is not in the nomenclature of their ministries. This confusion is due to the lack of a clear information center regarding Rohingya or other refugees in general. Also warranted in this respect are the designation of tasks, functions and budgets from the central government to regional levels in handling the refugees in accordance with applicable regulations.
Third, the need for a comprehensive roadmap and design. Under the coordination of the Task Force for Refugee Handling, it is hoped that ministries, international and humanitarian institutions (UNHCR and International Organization for Migration/IOM), as well as academics and NGOs, can design a roadmap and enact policies to managing refugees in Indonesia over the short, medium and long terms. Furthermore, Presidential Decree 125/2016 needs to be revised to incorporate the roles and work mechanisms of each party — central government, regional administrations, UNHCR, IOM, business community, universities, relevant institutions and NGOs.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s humanitarian policy requires that the country remain responsible for the presence of Rohingya refugees. The policy is based on Article 28G (2) of the 1945 Constitution which states: “Every person has the right to be free from torture or inhuman and degrading treatment and shall be entitled to obtain political asylum from another country.”
Indonesia has a good opportunity to formulate the division of burdens and responsibilities at the operational level. Within ASEAN, it can build multi-stakeholder cooperation, in addition to seeking a solution to the Myanmar crisis, which is at the root of the Rohingya refugee crisis, within the framework of SOMTC-ASEAN strengthening, through special working group on people smuggling. Within the Bali Process, it is crucial that Indonesia play its role as co-chair more proactively and intensively. With the support of RSO, efforts are being made to activate a consultation mechanism that focuses on refugee movement by the sea.
Read: Strategy To Develop A Healthier Eating At The Year-End Holiday
In addition, the Presidential Regulation 125/2016 should be revised to improve coordination aspects and roles of relevant parties (central government, regional administrations, private sector, academics, NGOs, community activists, central and regional task force, international institutions) as well as other mechanisms, including funding.
The design for the improvement of refugee governance in Indonesia should take into account the distribution of external burdens and responsibilities that need to be strengthened internally. This will change the way refugees are handled in Indonesia, especially as far as Rohingya refugees are concerned, at international and local levels. Furthermore, the public can understand the policy direction of refugee management, so social frictions, suspicion, anxiety, fear and rejection will not be aroused, similar to what is happening today.