We want to meet the president. We want to get out of Indonesia by sea or land, but we are intercepted. Why are we not allowed? In fact, here, we receive no assistance.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dozens of foreign refugees staged a rally on Merdeka Selatan Street in Central Jakarta on Wednesday in pursuit of the government's clarification on their citizenship status.

"We want to meet the president. We want to get out of Indonesia by sea or land, but we are intercepted. Why are we not allowed? In fact, here, we receive no assistance," Jumakhan, an Afghan refugee, remarked.

Jumakhan spoke of having awaited action and assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the past two decades.

Tens of foreign refugees have set up tents in front of Ravindo Tower on Kebon Sirih Raya Street, Central Jakarta.

Khan Ibrahim, another Afghan refugee, highlighted his plight of not being able to see his newly born baby, as he could not afford the hospital bills.

"I do not work here, much less study. How can I get money when I do not live here for free? I must spend US$1,500 per month," he remarked.

The rally prompted the police and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnel to intercept the participants, who were later escorted to Ravindo Tower where they stay.

Chief of the Gambir Police Precinct Adjunct Senior Commissioner Kade Budiyarta joined police personnel in escorting the refugees to return to their camp.

"Let us discuss it again in front of Ravindo Tower. We will discuss what they ask," he stated.
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EDITED BY INE

Translator: Mentari Dwi G/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021