Tanjung Pinang IDC

Tanjung Pinang Immigration Detention Center; the place where I felt so broken, hurt and disappointed, breathing behind bars as a criminal. For the only crime, being born in a war country and being a refugee; because I did not know when and where I am going to be transferred or resettle. Days and nights were passing and being out of that prison seemed more like a big dream or never could be happened perhaps and I have been there for about two years.

This biggest IDC in all over Indonesia was located in a small island in Sumatra Indonesia having capacity for 3oo person. A building with 3 floors within 12 big cells that was mostly like storage and the building surrounded by high walls and on the walls, barbed wire. The toilets that the detainees were using for taking bath were also located beside the cell thick door. There were higher parts along two sides of the cells for detainees to sleep and in the middle of the cells, pathways to toilet and to door but since the number of the detainees were over than its capacity, the pathways were also using for sleeping. In that building, generally about five hundred and fifty asylum seekers and refugees were living together. In each cell, 34-45 detainees from 16 different countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Sri lanka, Iraq, Myanmar, Pakistan, Syria, Eritrea, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen… .

Three times meals were provided by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and cooked by Indonesian on their wn manner such as boiled white-rice. The food was not convenient for us since the way we cook the food is very different but little by little, we rather adapted to be able to eat that, since we had no other choice.

Basic needs were provided in different periods like clothes, each 6-8 months material for self-hygiene and general-hygiene, monthly. Food, beverage, weekly and basic medical services permanently (workdays) available in the IDC’s clinic. All were fully supported by IOM. We had also languages classes for learning English, French languages, computer skills and drawing taught by the asylum seekers and refugees.

As human beings all basic needs to be alive was available. but, the things which mostly were pushing us down and had giving us depressed were long period of getting chance to be interviewed by UNHCR officers for the resettlement process, being released from IDC to open camp since we were living as the prisoner, not allowed to go out of that place even for few second.

After I found myself inside there as a detainee, I made some decisions such as, improving my English language, being active among refugees and asylum seekers as much as possible for good, helping those who need my supports in any way, running plus free exercises every other day for two hours, encouraging others to be always positively for better days ahead.

We mostly being looked as terrorist by the immigration, especially those immigration staffs who did not really know about Afghanistan and its situations. They only knew about Afghanistan what they saw on TV and they were telling all Afghans are Taliban or/and terrorists. Many times, they told me that in my face and sometime talking among themselves about this issue and treating us rudely.

As an example, I share one of the stories here to prove what I claim.

At the end of 2014 when I had 26 years age, I became Friend with an Indonesian 21 year’s old girl manned Mey through Facebook as I was thinking she could speak French when I saw her photos in Paris and she was friend with my youngest Syrian refugee friend who had 8 years old. Then we were often chatting and talking in free time and for me it was one of the way to improve my English too as her English was quite good since she was working in Mercure hotel in Batam as well for cultural exchange. One month later after she has to know enough about my situation in Indonesia, she wanted to meet me. I told her that I am in IDC, which is like prison so I cannot come out to meet you and you cannot come inside to meet me because of the IDC regulations. Nevertheless, she insist a lot to come from Batam to meet me even inside IDC. As I was the quite active refugee in that IDC, all of the immigration, IOM and UNHCR officers and staffs knew me well so I talk to one of the immigration officers about her, he said: “no problem; ask her to come to meet you”. She called me again and I was still with that officer, I gave the phone to him to talk to her and tell her the address. I could not understand Bahasa well so I did not know what they said then he gave me the phone back and said: “ok”. When I asked her about the conversation, she said it is fine, she can come to meet me inside but in the reception hall, and the officer gave her IDC’s address.

She was originally from Manado, Sumatra but living in Batam, the city beside Tanjung Pinang and she should cross the sea by boat to visit me. Few days later on Monday, she came holding two boxes of donates in her hands. She wore a blue trouser and black t-shirt. She was looking very beautiful with her long black hair. She had the big eyes, small nose and round face. We sat on the waiting room’s hairs hall in front of reception side by side. The immigration staffs who were in the reception were watching us. She came with her friend too who sat beside her. After about one hour talking to each other, I asked her to leave since it would be late for her go back to Batam and I was afraid of immigration annoying too. We hugged each other and she left.

The immigration staffs themselves were confused how a young beautiful Indonesian girl could come to meet an afghan refugee inside the IDC that never happened before.

I came back to my cell carrying donates’ plastics in my hands, made tea and invited some very close friends to enjoy donates together.

Everything was ok until tomorrow of that day. We did chat and talked as usual and sharing our feeling about our meeting and we were happy. Tuesday morning when I woke up and checked my phone, I had no message from her. Usually she were texting me first because she was waking up early to go to work. Then I texted her; she read but did not reply. I was confused and did not know what happened. I tried to ask several time in several way to know what happened.

Finally, she told me: “you are terrorist? Are you a killer?”

I was surprised and replied: “what??? How you say this to me and why? Am I look like a terrorist? Did I do something wrong that made you think I am Killer? I asked more to know what happened.

She explained that when she came to meet me in IDC, one of the immigration staffs took her BBM pin, and then last night he started to chat with her and telling her why she is close to me because all people in this IDC are criminals and they are killers. He also told her that it is possible that I kill her too.

She asked me: “will you kill me one day?”

For few minutes a shocked, I could not say anything. Later after that, I asked her: what do you thing? Do you think I left my country, my home, my family, my studies, my everything behind to come her inside this IDC by my own feet and living behind bars to kill people? Why I should come here to kill people? As he thinks, my country is better place to kill people.

I explained to her again that all these people who are living their young ages behind these bars in the IDCs in Indonesia are those who were suffering of war, terror and afraid of being killed; that is why they left their homes to be in safe, to be alive, to find a shelter, to and to be in peace. These people hate war and terror. I told her that we are not criminal but our only crime is to be asylum seekers or refugees.

After about two hour discussing and chatting she said that she does not really accepted what he told her, she trusts on me, and she does not want to care what people says about me. Then I asked her about that immigration staff; who he is? I asked to send me his photo and she did.

I directly went downstairs to find him and talk to him. His shift was not that day but night so I waited impatiently to see him and make it clear. He did not come that day to work and tomorrow of that day which was Wednesday; I saw him and stop him to talk. I asked him about his education level, he said he has only bachelor. His English was basic level.

+I asked him: do you read books?

- I do not interested to read

+How much do you know about Afghanistan and from where?

-I knows only what I see on TV, which is always about war and suicide-attacks.

+Are Afghans all terrorist?

-No answer… keep silent.

+Did you arrested me because I did any crime and brought me here or I came by myself?

He did not answer and just keep quiet and I was too upset and talking loudly while their commander came and since he was a good man and knew me enough called me Tom-Cruse as usually he was calling me like that saying I look like Tom-Cruse. Said: what happened? I explained all. He said: take it easy man, leave it. It is his mistake. He made me calm down by suggesting me a cup of coffee but since I do not like coffee, he offered me tea. Moreover, after short conversation, I returned to my cell.

That time story finished here, and everything became normal, as it was but one month later she wanted to come to meet me again inside the IDC and I told her not to come but she insist again to come and she did.

this time the reaction of immigration staffs were more worse than before, when she arrived, she had two boxes of donates again for me and like last time we sat together to talk and suddenly one of the immigration female high officers passed by the reception and saw us. She said something in Bahasa to her and I did not understand. In addition, most of the immigration staffs look were weird. She could not stand more and told me that she has to leave. I realized that she is too sad and disappointed.

She gave me donates and left without saying Goodbye.

I tried to text her by asking what happened but she did not reply until she arrived her Kost then explained that the immigration officer insulted her because she meet me who is from Afghanistan and living in prison.

It was too painful for me to hear that and I got hurt of these thoughts about my status but I could not do anything just accepting that condition.

It was not first time receiving this kind of treats from the immigration staffs there; in Ramadan month of 2014 when a sickness by the name of dengue fever was spread among detainees inside the IDC, most of us experienced it but in different level. For example, it did not effect on me too much maybe because my immune system was active and strong enough to defend but some detainees became in very serious condition up to vomiting blood. More than 20 detainees have been hospitalized in the outside hospital and some in the IDS’s clinic. The 23th night of Ramadan one of refugees who had already this sickness and reported to IOM medical team that that person turned to emergency condition. He had blood vomiting, high fever and lost his conscious. He was in second floor’s cell like me. During night, all gates were locked but since it was the 23th night of Ramadan and we were vigil all the night until sahur time for fasting, fortunately the gates were open. Some other detainees went to downstairs to inform the security who were in duty that night to contact IOM medical team to come and take him to the hospital. The security were said: “OK we contact IOM”

It took about one and half hour that no one from IOM medical team or the IDC medical team came to see his condition. During this one and half hour, many time requested to the immigration staffs to call IOM. Finally, about a hundred detainees inevitably carried the patient by brown the blanket to downstairs in front of the security post so they can see and do an urgent action but unfortunately; they did not really care and kept playing game on their computers as their usual activity. They were mostly ignoring when we needed some cases like this. People started to make some noise so they would stop their games and do an action to take the patient to the hospital but after all the noises, only their commander came out and shouted on people saying why they are making noise.

People asked: “Why you are not doing something such as calling IOM or take him to the hospital?

He answered by anger: “it is not our business. We already texted IOM but if they do not come, none of our business.

People said: how if this person dies? Who will be the responsible?

I was shocked by his answer. He said: “your president should be its responsible.” In addition, he treated people by screaming not to make noise but if we did, He would put our names in black list and he mentioned that we are just prisoners there and we do not have the right to protest or anything similar.

The refugees and asylum seekers did not stopped asking what they would and kept being there until after two hours, someone from IOM came and took the patient to the clinic and then, the detainees returned to their cells.

Many immigration staffs were often insulting and bothering us. Even their looks were virulent when they were looking at us. However, the head officer of the IDC was a good and kind man. He was calling me son because he was observing my activities, which were all positive such as being focal point among refugees and asylum seekers, Persian-English translator, teaching French language and helping IOM for the social and cultural programs for refugees and asylum seekers inside the IDC.

It took seven months from the date of my entrance in the IDC until I have interviewed by UNHCR officer due to get my refugee status. It was quit long time this duration because normally it should be happened maximum in five or seven months on 2014 and interview policy in Tanjung Pinang IDC was according to the asylum seekers entrance date. We were 18 asylum seekers who we entered the IDC all together but all has been interviewed before me and I have been interviewed one month later than the last member of our group who we were all together. Fortunately, two month and 12 days after my interview, on December 2014 I got my refugee status.

Normally when someone became refugee, in most of IDCs in Indonesia, maximum during two months they would be released from IDC and transferred to open camps but unfortunately in Tanjung Pinang IDC it was not like that, it could take longer than any other IDCs in Indonesia. Therefore, I must wait until they release me.

Eight months already passed after having my refugee status card with me but still a prisoner and I was not the only who was still there for long time after being refugee but some other people longer than me until ten months waiting to be released meanwhile in other IDCs, the process for releasing was very fast.

We were too tired and stressed because of this situation and we were always asking the IOM officers about our transfer, they were referring us to immigration officers and when we were talking to the immigration about it, they were referring us to IOM. We could not understand who is the responsible and we should talk to whom.

Day by day, we were getting more stress and finally all refugees decided to have a big protest against IOM and immigration about the release or transferring issues it took about three days until all refugees agreed to join this big protest and ask their right.

Finally, on July 2015, in the morning when the immigration officers and staffs came to their offices, all refugees came downstairs by having some banners written the duration of their staying in IDC and demanding freedom. Since everyone knew that I had good relation with IOM and immigration; they proposed me to be the focal point among them. Several of refugees came to me for asking me to be the representative but I did not want to be in that position. They pushed me by saying that no one else can deliver the voice to the immigration and IOM head officers. In addition, they were thinking that the head officer of IDC and IOM would do a positive action since they respect me enough.

The protest stared and it was too crowded. About 450 refugee from every nationality participated for one propose; FREEDOM. Some people were talking in English some in Arabic and one person even in Indonesian language due to deliver their messages to the authorities. After almost three hours protesting, the immigration head officer came out from his office and said that it is not under his power. All orders come from Jakarta so if officers from Jakarta do not give him quota for release, he cannot do it by himself. He asked few focal point to go whit him in his office and call Jakarta office about this issue.

One Suddenness, one Somalian and I were chosen as focal points to go in immigration head officer’s office. We sat in his office and after he talked to us kindly explaining that he cannot do anything if central office does not order, he took the phone to call Jakarta and talk about the protest and its propose. A female officer from Jakarta pick the phone up and after a short discussion, she asked us to give her time until tomorrow so they can paper some place for Tanjung Pinang IDC’s refugees to be transferred and requested us as the focal points to talk to other refugees to stop protest.

We get out of the office and delivered the message to other saying that they need time until tomorrow so we could wait until the time they said. People accepted and the protest ended there. Afternoon of that day the immigration informed us the central o

fice in Jakarta agreed for 30 person to be released and gave us the list of those who are going to be released but a new problem has been found.

The policy of being released was the same us the policy of being interviewed. The one who come first, should be released first but in the list of release, there were some suddenness who entered in the IDC very later than many others mostly Afghan who their names were not in the list. Therefore, the Afghan refugees came downstairs for protest to show their discontent about that list of release by saying that the head officer should do what he said by himself about the policy he made. The Afghan refugees introduced me as their focal point even though I rejected to be but somehow the pushed me for it. We were asking about our right and wanted to talk to head officer of immigration but no one would talk to us until refugees started chanting slogans. It became time for Friday-praying and the head officer came out from his office and shout on us saying we do not have right to do this kind of movement and he pointed at me saying that I am the responsible of these protests. He asked his staffs to take my photos to send Jakarta and treated me that he will report me as a troublemaker to Jakarta, He punched on my chest and said: I am the head officer of the biggest IDC Indonesia. I am the general of this country but you are a stateless, a refugee and a no one.

I had long beard and long hair, as I did not cut th

em since almost four months. I wore green t-shirt, gray short pant and a black hat. When the immigration staff was taking my photos, I was trying to hide my face by my hat and he was trying to take my photo anyhow. The head officer treated me by very hard words in tough way and left.

I was scared very much. I was too worry how if he report me as a troublemaker? If so, it would cause problem for my resettlement and many other thoughts in my brain. Everyone who participated in the protest scared and left me alone with one another refugee. I could not stop thinking of it.

I went to my cell, it was lunchtime and my friend who we were usually eating together was waiting for me. He saw me too worry and scared, he said: leave it… God is great, do not worry and do not think too much… everything will be fine.

I did not have appetite. I went to do ablution and then start praying. After that, I was sitting in my place in the cell, which around 3pm I was called by immigration staff. Another refugee told me that immigration is looking for me. I went down to the lobby and the immigration staff told me that the head officer calls me in his office.

I walked to the immigration head officer’s office; he opened the door for me and asked me to sit on the sofa. He was not the man of few hours ago; he started to talk to me so nice by calling me “son”. He told me that he knows that I am an active person among refugees, positive and polite and he said that he signed more than 10 certificates and appreciation papers in my name. He said why I planned this protest. I answered that I was not the one

who did but people want their right and since I can speak English better than others and known well by immigration and IOM so they requested me to be their focal point. Then he also said that he believe that all refugee in the IDC trust on me and they listen what I say. Therefore he asked me to tell people to not do any protest or demonstration because it may not help them to be released but it cause them problem. I said they just want justice and their right. They want the policy that he made for release should be followed.

While we were discussing about this issue, he told asked me about my close friends inside the IDC.

All of refugees here are same for me.

No, I want to transfer you from here so give your close friends name. Five person including you will be transfer to Surabaya so you have chance to take your close friend with you.

Well, we are all friend here but Habib and Rauf are the closet friend.

Rauf cannot be released because his name in the fourth page of transfer list but Habib is. Who else?

Hanif was sick and he got surgery so please write his name for release too.

If he is sick, he cannot travel.

No, he is already better and can travel.

All right, you will be transfer on next month but still no guaranty so try not to tell people about this because maybe the plane can be change and you will may become a liar.

Okay Pak.

Then he said I could go. I left the office and was somewhat happy at least he will not report me as a troublemaker and if I could be release, it is great. I went to my cell and share about this my close friend X. I told him about all what we talked in immigration head officer. He was happy for me and he encouraged me to continue my positive activities.

on 5th August 2015 we had an event to celebrate Eidul-Fitr and I was the coordinator of that event by IOM and when it was time for the immigration head officer to have speech, spoke about good behaviors, being positive, learning languages, computer and drawing and participating in the event to improve our skills. He mentioned my name as an example among refugees. At the end of his speech, he said that he wants to announce that one of the activist refugee, Sayed Nabi is going to be transfer very soon and he said that he is happy for me. It was one of the happiest news for me. It was my Eidul-Fitr gift.

After the event finished several refugees came to me for saying congratulation and show their happiness about my transfer.

9th August 2015 we were called by IOM for travel medical checkup and gave us the backpack with one Indonesian traditional shirt each of us. We were five refugee. All the day my friends came to my cell and helped me for packaging my stuffs by having our last tea-talks together.

At the evening of that day, five of us went to all ce

lls one by one to say goodbye to other refugees as it was used to be like that among refugees. Anyone who release from the IDC, he would do the same.

On 10th August 2015, after morning praying, we were asked to exit from the IDC and enter the immigration mini-bus ahead to the Tanjung Pinang airport. Actually, I still could not believe that I am going to be out of prison and will be free in the meantime, I was so excited.

Finally we arrived in the airport, transit to Jakarta and then to Surabaya.

Freedom… .

2015, Tanjung Pinang City, Indonesia