Asylum Seekers Urged Not to Occupy Public Facilities Outside UNHCR Office

The South Jakarta Administration, together with related agencies, conducted a registration and enforcement operation targeting foreign asylum seekers who had set up tents on the sidewalk outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office on Jalan Setiabudi Selatan, Setiabudi Sub-district.

Many residents have complained that their activities are disrupting public order

Setiabudi Vice Sub-district Head Rizky Noviana Purnama said the operation focused on maintaining public order, keeping the area clean, and restoring the sidewalk's function as a pedestrian walkway.

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"We previously cleared the area, but they returned. Many residents have complained that their activities are disrupting public order," he said on Thursday (7/2).

Rizky said the registration and enforcement effort was also intended to help identify solutions that could accommodate the asylum seekers' concerns, although decisions regarding their status remain entirely under UNHCR's authority.

"We hope this issue can be resolved soon so it does not drag on, allowing public safety and comfort to be maintained," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Linda, a UNHCR Field Security Associate, welcomed the South Jakarta Administration's efforts to enforce public order among asylum seekers who had set up tents behind the UNHCR office and around the Atrium Mulia Building.

She said that asylum seekers are protected under international human rights law. However, while staying in Indonesia, they are required to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

"Regardless of their nationality, if they violate the law, Indonesian authorities have the right to take firm action," she pointed.

Linda added that UNHCR is still working to find a suitable relocation site for the 32 asylum seekers. In the meantime, they will receive information on their obligation to comply with Indonesian laws and will be asked to sign a written commitment together with immigration authorities.

"If violations occur again, firm action will be taken. We hope they understand their obligation to obey the law while staying in Indonesia," she said.

Meanwhile, Ruth Caroline, Head of Registration, Administration and Reporting at the Jakarta Immigration Detention Center (Rudenim), proposed that all stakeholders promptly determine a suitable venue for administrative and mediation processes so asylum seekers no longer camp on the sidewalk.

"We ask for the sub-district administration's support in identifying a suitable location for administrative and mediation processes involving the asylum seekers," she said.

She added that Presidential Regulation No. 125/2016 on the handling of refugees is currently undergoing judicial review under the coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.

"The review is intended to clarify the regulation so that all actions taken in the field fully comply with the applicable laws and regulations," she explained.