Indonesia as a Transit State in Handling Overseas Refugees from the Aspect of Immigration Policy

Abstract

Indonesia is a key transit country for refugees in Southeast Asia, particularly for those aiming to reach Australia. Despite not having ratified the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, Indonesia continues to see an increasing number of refugees due to global geopolitical conditions. This increase is not matched by a corresponding increase in refugee absorption quotas by Convention countries. Consequently, Indonesia faces a significant challenge as the number of incoming and transiting refugees exceeds those leaving. The successful handling of Vietnamese refugees over a period of almost 25 years now seems difficult to replicate, with only 13% of foreign refugees and asylum seekers resolving their cases through resettlement or repatriation since 2004. This study aims to analyze Indonesia's immigration policies and their effectiveness in managing the current and uncertain future of foreign refugees. By examining these policies, the study seeks to understand the measures taken by the Indonesian government to address the challenges posed by its position as a transit country.