Memoar – Ojan (EN)

Hello, I am Ojan. I am 20 years old. I study law and I am from Makassar. In this story, I want to share about my experience with my refugee friends.

I used to hear and read stories about refugees from social media, on why they are in Indonesia. I also heard stories from friends who have met them. They said, refugees are not friendly; they stay in Indonesia only to have fun. They don’t really contribute or are helpful to Indonesian community. But that was before I met them in person in one of my taekwondo practices.

Usually, I am a quiet person. I’m not too good at making friends during the practice. But they were very friendly, even saying hello to me first. Since then, I talk to them more than I used to. I like talking to them because they are full of energy and cheerful. It is nice to be friends with them. They are quite different with the stories I read from the news about refugees. I really feel that they are my true friends.

So far in our friendship, the most memorable thing is when we were preparing for a Taekwondo competition. We supported each other. It never crossed my mind that we are from different countries or ethnicities. My refugee friend supported me when I was competing, and I did the same when he was competing. I cannot forget that feeling of friendship.

After knowing them better, I think refugees can bring positive things in our social life as Indonesians. We can learn to make friends with people who are different in language, nationality, race and culture. I learned how to behave or adapt when I make friends with different people. I also see this as a chance to practice my English, because that is the only language that we both understand. I don’t mind, I’m actually happy. My parents never stop me from making friends with anyone, as long as they have a positive influence on me.

That is why I feel sad to learn how they became refugees, because of the war or conflict in their countries. I think that was very tough. They don’t have any choices. They must flee their countries to feel safe. However, it seems that many refugees must stay longer in a place that they thought would only be temporary, just like what happens to refugees in Indonesia. I cannot imagine what it is like to be in that position.

In Indonesia, they cannot access their basic rights for example to work, to study, or to get health treatment. They cannot even go outside of the city they are living, let alone travel. They are safe from the war or conflict in their country, but at the same time, they are stuck in Indonesia. They can’t go anywhere and can’t do anything, because they are seen as people without identity.  

I hope one day they can go back to their home country and live a peaceful life. But if they can’t and have to stay in Indonesia, I really hope that Indonesian government can consider giving them access to basic things, like health treatment, to make a living, and education. Especially education for children because they still have a long life ahead of them. I also hope that Indonesians can accept them here because refugees are also human like us.

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