A LOCAL POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE REFUGEE MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF INDONESIAN MUNICIPALITIES

Comparative Lessons from Makassar, Pekanbaru, and Bogor

Abstract

As a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia faces persistent challenges in refugee governance, particularly at the local level where everyday interactions between refugees and host communities occur. In the absence of a comprehensive national legal framework, municipal governments play a pivotal role in shaping refugee management practices. This study examines how local political dynamics influence the development of sustainable refugee governance in three Indonesian cities: Makassar, Pekanbaru, and Bogor. Employing qualitative methods policy document analysis, secondary literature review, and organizational reports the research analyzes the interplay of political interests, administrative capacity, and socio-cultural contexts in local policy responses. The findings reveal that variations in leadership, political commitment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration significantly affect the inclusiveness and sustainability of refugee management strategies. While some municipalities demonstrate emerging practices aligned with sustainable governance principles and the Sustainable Development Goals, implementation remains uneven and highly contingent on local political conditions. This study contributes to the literature on refugee governance in non-signatory states by highlighting the centrality of local politics and offers policy-relevant insights on strengthening coordination, clarifying governance frameworks, and enhancing community participation to improve refugee management in Indonesia.
Keywords: Local Politics, Refugee Governance, Sustainable Policy, Indonesia