The number of IDPs in Indonesia is between 200,000 and 350,000 according to the latest 2006 report by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Citing the reason for their displacement as fleeing their homes due to the conflicts in the past, the report states that it has been difficult to obtain verifiable data. Yet the numbers are astonishing when one reads of the ongoing peace process of the Helsinki accord and the ongoing reports of democratic institutions being established under the agreed MOU for bringing peace and development to Aceh.

When the numbers are detailed according to the provinces, it is given as follows: in Aceh between 14,000 and 150,000 people; in Papua about 1,200; in West-Timor between 10,000 and 40,000; in Central Sulawesi about 40,000; in North Moluccas 15,000; in the Moluccas still 60,000 and in East Java 63,000 people. Continued oppression by the Indonesian army, violent conflict between religious interest groups and conflict over economic resources are the main driving factors for displacement. The Peace Agreement in Aceh signed by both the Indonesian Government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has opened prospects for a peaceful return. Slowly and steadily people are returning to their villages to start their lives again. But with both civilians and former freedom fighters returning, the situation remains fragile.

Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia serves, accompanies and advocates the rights of forcibly displaced people in Indonesia. Through our programs on the field and our advocacy work we aim to relieve the hardship the displaced face. JRS Indonesia currently has programs in Aceh and Yogyakarta and Central Java