Indonesia launches new interagency system to track over 12,000 foreign refugees

Eka Satriawan, head of the Illegal Immigrant and Refugee Handling Coordination Team, said the establishment of the Padang Forum for Detention and Refugee Handling (Forkopdensi) will enable more accurate monitoring of foreign refugees in Indonesia. Using photographs, biometrics and address verification, immigration detention centers and partner agencies will create a permanent, integrated database. The database will record the latest verified locations of refugees, who must report their whereabouts monthly to the detention centers.

Coordination will involve immigration, local governments, police, Basarnas and other relevant bodies to manage security, health, education and potential repatriation. The initiative also reaffirms Indonesia's commitment to the principle of non-refoulement while balancing law enforcement with humanitarian protection.