A Beacon of Resilience: Meena Asadi's Journey, Afganistan Refugee to Indonesia

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.