Call on Government for Urgent Action on Indonesia Refugee Crisis in 2025–26 Humanitarian Program

Today, we have submitted our formal submission to the Department of Home Affairs regarding Australia’s 2025–26 Humanitarian Program. The submission highlights a pressing humanitarian crisis that has persisted for over a decade: the plight of more than 12,000 refugees stranded in Indonesia, many of whom have been living in limbo for 12 years or more.

A Crisis on Our Doorstep

Indonesia, despite being one of our closest neighbours, is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention. Refugees there face severe restrictions: they cannot work, children are denied access to education, and many live in poverty without adequate healthcare. The mental and physical toll of prolonged uncertainty has led to tragic outcomes, including suicides and family separations.

This crisis has been significantly worsened by Australia’s 2014 ban on resettling refugees who registered with the UNHCR in Indonesia after 1 July 2014—a policy introduced by then Immigration Minister Scott Morrison. Despite the change in government, this ban remains in place, leaving thousands without hope or a pathway to safety.

Our Recommendations

• Lift the ban on resettling refugees who registered with the UNHCR in Indonesia after 1 July 2014.
• Create a dedicated intake pathway and allocate resettlement places in the 2025–26 Humanitarian Program for refugees who have been stuck in Indonesia for over a decade.

Labor’s Commitment Must Become Action

We urge our elected representatives to revisit the commitments made in the 2023 ALP National Platform, which acknowledged Australia’s responsibility to support refugees in Southeast Asia and promised to work with Indonesia and the UNHCR to resolve the backlog.

With the substantial parliamentary majority currently held by the Labor Government, now is the time to turn these words into meaningful action. We call on Prime Minister Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Burke to lift the ban and resume resettlement from Indonesia.

Join Us in Advocacy

RAC Canberra is a grassroots movement made up of people from all walks of life, united in our commitment to justice and compassion for refugees. We are not affiliated with any political party, but we believe in holding our leaders accountable to the values they profess.

Together, we can help bring hope and resolution to thousands who have waited far too long.