The Urgency of Protecting Refugees with Special Needs in Indonesia

A Human Rights-Based Legal Policy

Abstract

This research discusses the urgency of protecting refugees with special needs in Indonesia in the context of human rights-based legal policy. Indonesia serves as a major transit point for refugees from various countries, such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Somalia, with many refugees having stayed for more than a decade and facing various challenges in meeting their basic needs. This research uses a qualitative method with a socio-legal approach to evaluate the compatibility of Presidential Regulation No. 125/2016 with international standards, including the 1967 Protocol and the 1951 Geneva Conventions. The results show that while the Presidential Regulation provides a legal framework for handling refugees, its implementation is still not aligned with international standards. More inclusive and sustainable policies, as well as closer collaboration with international organizations, are needed to ensure a response that complies with global humanitarian principles. Protection for refugees with special needs is not only the responsibility of governments, but also part of international commitments to human rights and global solidarity. Better policies will increase security, provide proper support, and reduce the stigma and disinformation often experienced by refugees.