The Journey With De Facto Refugees In Indonesia project supports people who have fled the dangers of their home country to seek a safer life.
Since the Australian Government withdrew its support of asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia, vulnerable people are relying on organisations like us. These people receive no support from the Indonesian government for shelter, food, employment opportunities, healthcare or education. Since the policy shift, hundreds of people have been sleeping on the streets fending for themselves with no money to their name.
Our partner, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Indonesia, is stepping in to provide support where it is needed most through the Journey With De Facto Refugees In Indonesia project. With your generous support of Jesuit Mission, you are helping JRS Indonesia to meet basic survival needs for the de facto refugees who are living in limbo in Bogor and Jakarta, such as financial support for food, rent, and access to health services.
JRS Indonesia are also working hard to provide refugees with access to better protection. That means advocacy works to push the Indonesian government towards just policies and practices – so vulnerable adults and children can feel safer.
Many asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia have professional skills to offer, but they have no hope of gaining employment in a community that rejects them. JRS Indonesia is supporting skilled asylum seekers and refugees to access livelihood and income opportunities by connecting them with companies and organisations willing to accommodate them. This means marginalised people can become self-reliant with the ability to provide for their families.
De facto refugee women attending an English class at a JRS Learning Centre.
DONATE“JRS is targeting de facto refugees living independently in the community, of which more and more are running out of savings with only limited support and livelihood options… Most Indonesians are not aware of refugees in their country. If they learn about them, there can be a lack of understanding and suspicion that they are terrorists and criminals.”
Your support means vulnerable people seeking refuge in Indonesia can have the opportunities they need to live a safe life with dignity.
Thank you!
Sophie’s Story
Sophie (30) is trapped in limbo in Indonesia with her family including her older brother Brando, her uncle Johnny and mother Nini.
Their journey began in Myanmar when, after joining a peaceful civil uprising, the military came looking for Sophie and Brando. Having witnessed the military’s murderous violence, the family was scared for their lives and fled to India.
After a difficult two years, they returned to Myanmar to find the military had seized the family’s cherished home and were still searching for Sophie and Brando.
The family fled once more, travelling through the Philippines until arriving in Indonesia with the hope of starting a better life.
But the family did not find the peace and safety they were searching for.
It’s a grave injustice that people like Sophie are not granted refugee status.
For Sophie and her family, life in Indonesia has been extremely tough.
From day one in Indonesia, the family lived on the streets in a makeshift ‘camp’ struggling to survive day to day.
But with people like you by our side, JRS Indonesia has been able to bring relief to Sophie and her family. First, providing a steady supply of food, then financial assistance that helped them to move into more stable housing. JRS Indonesia also supported Johnny and Brando to attend English classes.
Recently the family received news that they may have the opportunity to resettle in Canada.
Our team is working tirelessly to support them, and all de facto refugees, as they seek a permanent home. We're taking concrete actions every day to improve their lives and give a voice to their rights.
"Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia truly cares and pays close attention to our wellbeing."
Sophie (far right) and her family in a small rented unit in Bogor.
Sophie and her family at the airport before she goes to Canada to start a new chapter.
