Bridging the Gap: Empowering Indonesian Students and Refugee Youths

Refugee youths are resilient problem solvers, actively addressing challenges within their communities despite facing systemic barriers. Research shows that refugee-led initiatives are among the most effective in responding to their communities’ needs, as those directly affected by displacement are often best positioned to identify solutions that are relevant and sustainable.

In Indonesia, refugee youths face significant restrictions in pursuing higher education and formal employment, yet they continue to build informal learning networks, contribute to their communities, and develop skills in creative and entrepreneurial ways. Meanwhile, Ciputat, home to UIN Jakarta, also hosts a growing refugee community, making it a strategic and meaningful setting for this project.

Through #AtoZ From Research to Action: Youth-Led Community Impact, you—as a Sociology student from UIN Jakarta or a refugee youth in Ciputat—will work together as researchers and project management officers, studying both the refugee community in Ciputat and the local residents to gain a deeper understanding of refugee-related challenges.

You will:

1. Conduct grassroots research
2. Design interventions based on research findings
3. Implement those interventions
4. Evaluate their impact
5. All while strengthening your English communication skills in everyday and professional settings.

This program bridges academic knowledge with hands-on practice, offering you structured opportunities to develop research and project management skills under the guidance of practitioners and academics. As a refugee youth, you will take an active role in creating solutions for your community and gain opportunities for self-development, while UIN Jakarta students gain practical experience in participatory research and social intervention that will benefit your future endeavors.

Designed as a pilot project, this initiative aims to establish a best practice model for future research-driven interventions, with the goal of securing funding and other resources from stakeholders for long-term sustainability.

While this program does not replace higher education for refugee youths, it serves as a stepping stone, equipping you with structured learning, skill-building, and professional development opportunities, while we continue advocating for formal university inclusion.