Public Lecture by UIN Jakarta's International Relations Program Highlights Global Refugee Protection Solidarity

FISIP, UIN Online News — The issue of global refugees took center stage in a public lecture organized by the International Relations Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta on Thursday (June 12, 2025). Carrying the theme “Examining the Involvement of Civil Society Organizations in Global Refugee Protection Solidarity,” the event aimed to help students better understand the crucial role of civil society in defending refugee rights.

The event organizer, UIN Jakarta International Relations lecturer Mutiara Pertiwi, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized in her remarks the importance of increasing awareness and empathy for the plight of refugees, who are often marginalized in global dynamics.

“Refugees are not just numbers in a report; they are human beings who have lost their homes, security, and future certainty. We need more than just sympathy—what is needed is solidarity,” she stressed.

Also present as speakers in the public lecture were Dr. Atin Prabandari, International Relations Lecturer at Gadjah Mada University; Atika Yuanita Paraswaty, Head of Suaka; and Melani W. Wulandari, Coordinator of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Jakarta.

The session, moderated by UIN Jakarta Law lecturer Dr. Fitria S.H., MR., Ph.D., opened with a recitation of a poem by a Syrian refugee—reminding the audience of the human aspect behind the statistics and policies.

Dr. Atin Prabandari from Gadjah Mada University began the presentation by explaining the concept of refugees from an international law perspective and the challenges they face. The material was continued by Atika Yuanita Paraswaty, Head of Suaka, who highlighted the legal framework for refugee protection in Indonesia and the need for a human rights-based approach.

Atika Yuanita Paraswaty comprehensively presented the legal framework for refugee protection, including regulatory challenges in Indonesia and the importance of a human rights-based approach. She also cited several cases of refugees in the Greater Jakarta area who faced obstacles in accessing basic services such as healthcare and education, which could be more broadly opened through cross-sector collaboration.

The third speaker, Coordinator of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Jakarta, Melani W. Wulandari, explained JRS's role as a civil society organization actively assisting refugees on the ground. She outlined opportunities for volunteer involvement and concrete ways for communities and students to directly support refugees through mentorship and humanitarian solidarity. Melani also shared inspiring stories of refugees who successfully rebuilt their lives through community support, emphasizing the importance of humanizing them in every interaction and policy.

Photo Documentation:

(Evan Andhika Suci/Aida Adha S/Fauziah M/Noeni Indah S./Foto: Amanda Faizah Nurfahda)