Handling Rohingya Refugees Found in an Emergency in Indonesia: A Legal and Human Rights Approach

Abstract

This study intends to characterize and analyze how refugees discovered inIndonesia during an emergency are treated. This paper presents qualitative research that employs a case approach and gathers information from informants who can provide case-related details. Additionally, it reviews and analyzes multiple kinds of literature about managing refugees discovered in Indonesia during an emergency. The findings revealed that Rohingya refugees located in Indonesian territorial waters during an emergency were in consistently perilous circumstances. This circumstance arose due to the prolonged stay of the Rohingya refugees on overcrowded boats for several months, inadequate provisions, and a lack of medical equipment, food, and clean water. Consequently, these refugees were classified as "Persons in Distress" and, by Indonesian national law and humanitarian considerations, are obligated to be brought ashore in Indonesian territory during an emergency.