TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Repatriating citizens: Between humanitarian and security concerns
Indonesia's repatriation strategy for its children from Syrian camps should emphasize a cautious approach by tackling misinformation and disinformation.
Change Size
Leefa (center) arrives at the Ain Issa camp, 50 kilometers north of Raqa, with other Indonesians after fleeing the Islamic State (IS) group's Syrian bastion on June 13, 2017. (AFP/Ayham al-Mohammad )
W
hile other nations are actively repatriating their citizens from Syrian camps, Indonesia is still dealing with the complexity of continuing to repatriate their own in the face of security, legal and human rights challenges.
This situation is further complicated by the recent incident involving Rohingya refugees in Aceh, potentially impacting Jakarta's efforts in repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration (RRR) programs, mainly due to extensive disinformation and misinformation campaigns.
Prioritizing children's groups is crucial in this effort. In anticipation of potential forced repatriations due to camps in Syria closing, Indonesia must prepare comprehensive strategies to shape public opinion and facilitate a smooth repatriation process.
Firstly, the government must address the importance of children's repatriation by promoting an educational campaign addressing the balance of security and humanitarian aspects. Collaborative dialogues with agencies like the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) are vital.
These discussions should emphasize that children are victims and should not be held accountable for crimes they have not committed, nor should they suffer collective punishment for their parents’ actions.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's remarks during National Children's Day last year about protecting children and providing them with opportunities should extend to Indonesian children in Syrian refugee camps like Al Hol and Al Roj.
A 2021 study by Save the Children highlighted their dire conditions, including a lack of education and health care and the necessity to work at a young age, adversely affecting children’s physical and mental well-being.
