Fostering sustainable livelihoods: Evaluating the skillsets of refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia

Abstract

This article is set in the broader context of the refugee and asylum seeker crisis with a specific focus on Indonesia. The research aimed to capture the skills, experiences and aspirations of refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia. The research is based on surveys conducted with the assistance of volunteers from community organizations collaborating closely with refugees and asylum seekers in Jakarta, Bogor and Cisarua—areas known for their high concentration of these populations. The study uncovered a rich set of skills within the refugee and asylum seeker population in Indonesia and it probed refugees’ and asylum seekers’ willingness to participate in training and desire to work legally, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and avoiding dependency on aid. Building on the findings of this research, future studies could investigate the potential economic and social impact of granting refugees and asylum seekers the right to work legally in Indonesia, considering its effects on both refugees and asylum seekers and the host society.