Memoar – Nurmita (EN)

Hello. My name is Nurmita, 25 years old. I am a private employee, and I am from Mamuju Regency, in West Sulawesi.

I have heard about refugees since 2014, when refugee children came near my house. They came to sell some food and also studied in a nearby learning center. But our interaction was limited then. This year I met several refugees in my Muay Thai Club. They come from various countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Myanmar. We often exchange stories from our countries. I talk about Indonesian culture, they talk about their culture. The most exciting discussion happens when we talk about food. Since then, we have been good friends. 

I think locals have some wrong ideas about refugees. Before, I thought refugees in Indonesia are a population burden. But, after knowing them, I now understand why they are here.

Regardless of their reasons, I am glad that I can share things with them, especially when they teach me their language. Some refugees can even speak with a Makassar accent. I am impressed that they can and want to learn about Bahasa. They learn by listening, and they do this so they can get along with locals. 

About Rohingya refugees, I heard it only from the news. I am not sure how they are doing. All I know is that some countries refuse them, but not Indonesia. Refugees that I meet here are not Rohingya. But to be honest, I have never seen any media reporting about refugees from Afghanistan and Iran. 

Sometimes, I think about this country. For me, Indonesia is an identity, which is something very important for my generation. In Indonesia, identity is important because many things need an evidence of identity. This is what makes stateless refugees different. I think I will be very very sad if I am in a situation like theirs, and I have to leave Indonesia. Because I have to be separated from my family and friends. I must also adapt to a new place to live, to shelter, and of course, there will be difficulties there, like language barrier.

Honestly, I don’t understand what the government does with refugees. I also don’t look for information about the situation of refugees here. But I really hope that the government and those who are involved in this can give some certainty to the refugees who have been in Indonesia long enough.