Protection for All? Inclusion of Sexual and Gender Minority Refugees in Indonesia

Abstract

This article considers whether the refugee governance system and humanitarian programs in Indonesia accommodate people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). It contributes to an area of migration research which has been under-researched, on structural processes shaping the lives of sexual and gender minorities as they seek asylum in receiving countries in the Global South. The article utilizes social integration and social inclusion concepts with intersectional analysis. The article offers rich empirical findings on social inclusion, based on Focus Group Discussions and interviews with humanitarian organizations, service providers, and refugee-led organizations. The research shows that refugees with diverse SOGIE face discrimination and threats linked to social stigma toward the LGBTIQ+ community combined with xenophobic attitudes in Indonesia. These challenges are amplified by a weak national refugee governance framework and lack of enforcement of antidiscrimination laws. The author has synthesized these findings in a system map illustrating key enablers and barriers of social inclusion to provide insights on potential levers of change. The map illuminates areas for further research and advocacy, revealing what more can be done to prioritize the agency, safety and dignity of refugees with diverse SOGIE.