The hidden struggle of refugees in Indonesia | Abdullah Sarwari | TEDxUbud

Summary

Abdullah, a refugee from the Hazara tribe, shares his journey of displacement, moving from Afghanistan to Iran, then to Indonesia. Despite the constant threat to his life and the hardships of living without rights, he co-founded the Refugee Learning Center in Indonesia, providing education to refugees. He discusses the impact of his sister’s mental health struggle and how he eventually found work as an interpreter. Abdullah emphasizes the importance of volunteering, advocating for refugees, and supporting refugee-led initiatives, urging people to challenge misinformation and help refugees integrate into society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Refugees are individuals who are forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or violence.
• 😀 Abdullah, the speaker, is a refugee from the Hazara tribe, a group that has faced a century of oppression and genocide.
• 😀 Despite enduring discrimination and violence in their home countries, many refugees, like Abdullah's family, have no country to call home.
• 😀 Abdullah’s family lived in multiple countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and finally Indonesia, but none of these countries offered full acceptance.
• 😀 Refugees in Indonesia, while safe from immediate danger, live in dire conditions with limited rights, including no access to work, healthcare, or education.
• 😀 The refugee situation is exacerbated by a lack of legal rights, as Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, leaving refugees without basic protections.
• 😀 Abdullah co-founded the Refugee Learning Center (RLC) in Indonesia to provide free education to fellow refugees, despite significant challenges.
• 😀 The Refugee Learning Center now educates 300 students, ranging in age from 6 to 70 years old, helping refugees gain knowledge and skills in a difficult environment.
• 😀 Abdullah's journey includes personal challenges, such as his sister's struggle with schizophrenia, but his resilience led to her recovery and his eventual employment opportunity with UNHCR.
• 😀 Abdullah urges others to volunteer, advocate for refugees, and fund refugee-led initiatives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of displaced people.

Q & A

What is the main reason Abdullah and his family had to flee their home country?

Abdullah and his family fled Afghanistan due to the persecution, violence, and genocide faced by their Hazara tribe. Their tribe had been suffering racial discrimination and violence for over a century.

How does Abdullah describe his childhood experience in Iran?

Abdullah recalls his time in Iran as a period of mixed emotions. He made some great childhood friends who accepted him for who he was, but he was also treated as an outsider and felt that he would never be fully accepted in Iran.

What significant event happened when Abdullah was about to start third grade in Iran?

Just before Abdullah was about to start third grade, the Iranian government announced that refugee students were not allowed to attend public schools, shattering his excitement and hopes of a normal education.

Why does Abdullah not feel a connection to Afghanistan, despite being born to Afghan parents?

Abdullah does not feel connected to Afghanistan because he has never lived there, and although he was born in Pakistan, he spent only a couple of years there, making both countries feel distant and not truly 'home.'

How did Abdullah describe Indonesia when his family first arrived there?

Abdullah found Indonesia to be a beautiful place, with lush greenery and friendly, welcoming people. He felt a sense of acceptance from the Indonesian people, which was a comforting change compared to the harsh realities of previous countries.

What challenges did refugees in Indonesia face according to Abdullah?

Refugees in Indonesia face severe limitations, such as not being allowed to work, travel without permission, access healthcare, or receive education. These restrictions lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness among refugees.

What was the major dilemma faced by refugees in Indonesia?

The major dilemma faced by refugees in Indonesia is the uncertainty of their future. They cannot integrate into society due to a lack of rights, and they cannot return to their home countries because of the danger to their lives.

How did Abdullah and his sister contribute to the refugee community in Indonesia?

Abdullah and his sister became active members of their community by starting the Refugee Learning Center (RLC) to provide free education to refugees. Abdullah also took on various roles, including being the school's bell, photographer, social media manager, and eventually its principal.

What personal challenge did Abdullah face with his sister, and how did it affect him?

Abdullah’s sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2017, leading to a difficult period for the family. Abdullah struggled to find help due to limited access to mental health care, but eventually, his sister improved, which inspired him to do more for the community.

How did Abdullah’s life change when he received a job offer from UNHCR?

Abdullah’s life changed when he received an email from UNHCR offering him a position as an interpreter. This job was a rare opportunity for refugees in Indonesia, where working is typically prohibited, and it marked a significant turning point in his life.

What three actions does Abdullah suggest people take to support refugees?

Abdullah encourages people to: 1) Volunteer with refugee-led initiatives like the Refugee Learning Center, 2) Advocate for refugees and challenge negative stereotypes, and 3) Donate to refugee-led organizations to help them sustain their efforts and make a difference.