The number of asylum seekers in Jakarta continues to grow (Credit : CNN)

UNHCR refugees in Jakarta is increasing to thousands

Siti Fatimah Adri
Scandal
Investigations
Jul 12, 2019
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The number of asylum seekers in Jakarta continues to grow. According to the Head of DKI Jakarta Social Service Irmansyah, initially there was only 250 refugees in Kebon Sirih, but now there are up to 1100 people. This is known from their food portions. As previously known, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government decided to cover the cost of food for refugees for a week. Even so, Irman said that government will continue to serve them according to their capabilities.

Currently, they have been moved to temporary shelters in former Kodim building, Kalideres, West Jakarta. Previously they had fled on the sidewalk of Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, precisely in front of Menara Ravindo, United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) office.

Initially, Chairman of DKI Jakarta DPRD, Prasetyo Edi Marsudi said that he would move the refugees to Jakarta Islamic Center, North Jakarta. However, Daily Executor (Plh) of Jakarta Governor, Saefullah decided to move the refugees to Kalideres, West Jakarta. The reason is because they already have assets for the refugees in Kalideres. So, he asked the Mayor of West Jakarta to immediately check facilities and availability of water for refugees.

Asylum seekers from Afghanistan to Somalia had occupied the sidewalk in Kebon Sirih area, Central Jakarta for about two weeks, before being transferred to Kalideres. They took refuge from their home countries which were in a state of war. Their presence in Indonesia itself is only for transit, while waiting for a visa and scheduled departure to destination country from UNHCR.

Source: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20190712123912-20-411548/pemprov-dki-sebut-jumlah-pencari-suaka-bertambah-jadi-ribuan