In Indonesia, refugees and asylum seekers face a challenging reality. Despite the country's rich tradition of hospitality, refugees in Indonesia do not have legal status to work, making self-sufficiency an elusive goal. As of recent estimates, there are thousands of refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Somalia, residing in various parts of Indonesia, waiting for resettlement or other long-term solutions. The Indonesian government, alongside international organizations, provides basic assistance, but the refugees must often find creative ways to cope with their circumstances.
In the tranquil hills of Cisarua, Bogor, far from the turmoil of her homeland, Meena Asadi has found a semblance of peace amidst the uncertainty of her life as a refugee. Her journey from Afghanistan to Indonesia is one marked by struggle, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to not only survive but to thrive.
Back in Afghanistan, life was fraught with danger. Meena faced constant threats, her dreams stifled by the oppressive realities of conflict. Determined to escape the violence and secure a safer future, Meena, her husband Asraf, and their family fled their homeland in November 2015, embarking on a perilous journey that first took them to India for a three-day transit, followed by a one-day stopover in Malaysia. Eventually, they arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia.
The escape was far from straightforward. With the help of a facilitator, or 'makelar,' Meena and her family managed to avoid immigration hurdles, a feat that came at a steep cost of 12,000 USD. This sum was the price of their freedom, a necessary expense to ensure their safe passage out of Afghanistan.
The transition to life in Indonesia was anything but easy. As asylum seekers, Meena and Asraf quickly realized that their opportunities were severely limited. Indonesian laws prevented them from working legally, leaving them with no means to earn a living. The stress of this new reality weighed heavily on their shoulders. They were caught in a cycle of helplessness, their daily existence reduced to merely eating, sleeping, and waiting for an uncertain future.
But giving up was never an option for Meena. Refusing to be idle, she decided to channel her energy and passion into something meaningful. Drawing from her background as a former member of the Afghanistan national karate team and a South Asian karate medalist, she founded the Shotokan Refugee Karate Club in 2016, now known as @refugee_karate_indonesia, where she serves as the Head Coach.
The club quickly became a beacon of hope and resilience. Through karate, Meena not only kept herself active but also provided a sense of community and purpose for others. The physical and mental discipline of martial arts offered a reprieve from the daily stresses of refugee life. It became a space where children and adults alike could find strength, learn self-defense, and build confidence.
Meena's dedication to the club goes beyond just teaching karate. She sees it as a way to instill hope and resilience in her fellow refugees. "We don't want to be seen as helpless," Meena says. "We want to show that we are capable of contributing, of making a difference, even in the most challenging circumstances."
With the unwavering support of her husband Asraf, who also serves as one of the club's coaches, Meena has built a community that transcends the limitations of their refugee status. Asraf not only supports Meena's endeavors but works alongside her to inspire and empower others.
Meena's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to adapt and overcome. In the face of adversity, she has turned her struggles into a source of strength for herself and her community. She has chosen to be active, to engage, and to inspire, refusing to let her status as a refugee define her entire existence.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of her life in Indonesia, Meena remains hopeful. She dreams of a day when she can return to her homeland or find a new place to call home, where she can live freely and fully. Until then, she is determined to make the most of her situation, teaching karate and building a resilient community in the heart of Cisarua, Bogor.
