Problems Encountered in Handling Foreign Refugees

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Introduction

Medan City, as one of the big cities in Indonesia, faces significant challenges in handling foreign refugees. The city's refugee handling policy is regulated in the Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 125 of 2016, which provides technical references related to how to handle refugees from the discovery stage to data collection and supervision at the shelter. Article 2 (1) of this regulation emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the central government and the United Nations through the High Commissariat of Refugee Affairs in Indonesia. Although Indonesia has not signed the 1951 convention and the 1967 protocol regarding refugees, the ratification of the Universal Human Rights Declaration (DUHAM) shows a commitment to provide human protection and human rights to refugees.

Background of the Study

The research on the implementation of this policy uses descriptive methods with a qualitative approach, including data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and documentation conducted at the Medan City Immigration Detention House (Rudenim). The results showed that the implementation of the policy on handling foreign refugees in Medan had not been running optimally. One of the problems is the lack of shelters provided by the government, so that refugees still depend on assistance from IOM (International Organization of Migration). At present, there are two shelters outside of Rudenim's supervision and outside the city of Medan, namely in Binjai and Tanjung Morawa.

Problems Encountered in Handling Foreign Refugees

Another problem encountered is that there are unregistered refugees, with a total of 28 people coming to Medan in June. This refugee no longer gets help from IOM, which shows a gap in the data collection and coordination system between institutions. In addition, IOM and Rudenim are also less coordinating in the implementation of formal education programs for foreign refugees. Although IOM has requested direct approval from the Mayor of Medan for the program, this effort still requires concrete steps and better collaboration between all related parties.

The Role of UNHCR in Handling Foreign Refugees

UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) implementing the Refugee 101 program in the Pulo Brayan, Setia Budi, and Tanjung Rejo area without cooperation with Rudenim and Immigration. This program aims to introduce and socialize the existence of refugees to the people of Medan City. However, the lack of coordination between these institutions resulted in refugees not getting proper protection and services.

The Need for Increased Synergy between Institutions and Governments

From this analysis, it can be seen that it is necessary to increase synergy between institutions and governments in handling foreign refugees in the city of Medan. One step that can be taken is the strengthening of cooperation between IOM, Rudenim, UNHCR, and local governments to create a better data collection system, as well as provide adequate shelter facilities and access to education that is equivalent to refugees. Thus, the protection of human rights for refugees can be more effective and guaranteed.

Recommendations for Improving the Handling of Foreign Refugees

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Strengthening of Cooperation between Institutions: The government and institutions involved in handling foreign refugees should strengthen their cooperation to create a better data collection system, provide adequate shelter facilities, and access to education that is equivalent to refugees.
Improvement of Data Collection and Coordination System: The data collection and coordination system between institutions should be improved to ensure that refugees receive proper protection and services.
Provision of Adequate Shelter Facilities: The government should provide adequate shelter facilities for refugees, including those outside of Rudenim's supervision and outside the city of Medan.
Access to Education: Refugees should have access to education that is equivalent to refugees, including formal education programs.
Protection of Human Rights: The protection of human rights for refugees should be more effective and guaranteed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of the foreign refugee handling policy in Medan City has not been running optimally. The lack of shelters provided by the government, unregistered refugees, and the lack of coordination between institutions are some of the problems encountered. To address these problems, it is necessary to increase synergy between institutions and governments in handling foreign refugees in the city of Medan. The strengthening of cooperation between IOM, Rudenim, UNHCR, and local governments is essential to create a better data collection system, provide adequate shelter facilities, and access to education that is equivalent to refugees. Thus, the protection of human rights for refugees can be more effective and guaranteed.

Q: What is the current situation of foreign refugees in Medan City?

A: The current situation of foreign refugees in Medan City is that there are many challenges in handling them. The city's refugee handling policy is regulated in the Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 125 of 2016, but the implementation of this policy has not been running optimally. There are many problems, including the lack of shelters provided by the government, unregistered refugees, and the lack of coordination between institutions.

Q: What are the main problems encountered in handling foreign refugees in Medan City?

A: The main problems encountered in handling foreign refugees in Medan City are:

Lack of shelters: The government has not provided adequate shelter facilities for refugees, so they still depend on assistance from IOM (International Organization of Migration).
Unregistered refugees: There are many unregistered refugees, with a total of 28 people coming to Medan in June. This refugee no longer gets help from IOM, which shows a gap in the data collection and coordination system between institutions.
Lack of coordination: IOM and Rudenim are also less coordinating in the implementation of formal education programs for foreign refugees.

Q: What is the role of UNHCR in handling foreign refugees in Medan City?

A: UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is implementing the Refugee 101 program in the Pulo Brayan, Setia Budi, and Tanjung Rejo area without cooperation with Rudenim and Immigration. This program aims to introduce and socialize the existence of refugees to the people of Medan City.

Q: What is the need for increased synergy between institutions and governments in handling foreign refugees in Medan City?

A: The need for increased synergy between institutions and governments in handling foreign refugees in Medan City is to create a better data collection system, provide adequate shelter facilities, and access to education that is equivalent to refugees. Thus, the protection of human rights for refugees can be more effective and guaranteed.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the handling of foreign refugees in Medan City?

A: The following recommendations are made:

Strengthening of Cooperation between Institutions: The government and institutions involved in handling foreign refugees should strengthen their cooperation to create a better data collection system, provide adequate shelter facilities, and access to education that is equivalent to refugees.
Improvement of Data Collection and Coordination System: The data collection and coordination system between institutions should be improved to ensure that refugees receive proper protection and services.
Provision of Adequate Shelter Facilities: The government should provide adequate shelter facilities for refugees, including those outside of Rudenim's supervision and outside the city of Medan.
Access to Education: Refugees should have access to education that is equivalent to refugees, including formal education programs.
Protection of Human Rights: The protection of human rights for refugees should be more effective and guaranteed.

Q: What is the conclusion of the study on the implementation of foreign refugee handling policy in Medan City?

A: In conclusion, the implementation of the foreign refugee handling policy in Medan City has not been running optimally. The lack of shelters provided by the government, unregistered refugees, and the lack of coordination between institutions are some of the problems encountered. To address these problems, it is necessary to increase synergy between institutions and governments in handling foreign refugees in the city of Medan. The strengthening of cooperation between IOM, Rudenim, UNHCR, and local governments is essential to create a better data collection system, provide adequate shelter facilities, and access to education that is equivalent to refugees. Thus, the protection of human rights for refugees can be more effective and guaranteed.