Surviving in the Post-Repatriation Era: Challenges and Opportunities for Papuan refugees after returning from Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Although many studies have been carried out on the living conditions of Papuan refugees in Papua New Guinea, little is known about what happens to them once they have been repatriated to the Indonesian province of Papua. This study seeks to fill this void. By focusing on two areas of repatriants’ settlement in Papua Province (Kwimi village of Keerom and Nasem village of Merauke), this article examines their living conditions in the post-repatriation period and identify ways in which the Indonesian government can improve its repatriation program. Data were gathered through focus group discussions, observation, and library research between the second and third week of December 2021. This research, based on a qualitative descriptive approach, found that Papuan repatriants faced difficulties adjusting to life after repatriation. Among their challenges are reintegrating into the community, finding employment, funding their children’s education, gaining livelihoods, and clashing with land settlements. These difficulties stem from the government’s inability to provide proper assistance to repatriated individuals within the first five years of their settlement, which results in challenges for them during the reintegration process. This research also offers recommendations for Indonesia’s central and local governments to formulate a coordinated policy in handling repatriants; develop a project plan in the first five years covering the principles of safety, protection, mentoring, empowerment; and consider the repatriation issue in the country’s best interest.

Keywords: Papua; Papua New Guinea; repatriants; refugee