by Hafizur Rahman
Rohingya refugees living in Pekanbaru continue to face deep uncertainty in 2026, as prolonged displacement, limited assistance, and lack of durable solutions leave many families trapped in a state of prolonged waiting.
Most Rohingya in Pekanbaru arrived after dangerous journeys by sea and land, fleeing violence in Myanmar in search of safety. While physical security has improved compared to conditions they fled, many refugees say life has become an extended period of survival rather than a path toward dignity or stability.
Overcrowded housing and daily hardship
Housing remains one of the most serious challenges. Refugees are accommodated in overcrowded shelters where multiple families often share a single confined space. Poor ventilation, limited sanitation, and lack of privacy are common.
In Pekanbaru’s heat and humidity, conditions inside shelters are particularly harsh. Community members say children often sleep on thin mats near leaking walls, while older people struggle through sleepless nights due to heat and discomfort. Women, elderly people, and persons with disabilities are especially affected, as illness spreads easily and stress remains constant.
Insufficient cash assistance
Refugees say cash assistance in 2026 remains inadequate and does not reflect the rising cost of living. Food prices continue to increase, while families also need money for clean water, phone credit, transport, and basic hygiene items.
Parents often reduce their own meals to ensure their children can eat, even when food lacks nutritional value. When family members fall ill, many delay seeking medical care out of fear of additional expenses. Borrowing money has become common, leaving families burdened with debt and constant financial anxiety.
Limited access to services and livelihoods
Access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods remains extremely restricted. Rohingya refugees are not permitted to work legally in Indonesia, despite having skills and strong motivation. As a result, many adults spend years without productive activity, leading to loss of confidence and a sense of purpose.
Educational opportunities for children and youth are largely informal and irregular. Refugee families say learning programs often depend on short term projects and can stop without warning. Many young people report feeling uncertain about their future, as dreams of professional careers fade with time.
Mental health challenges, including trauma, depression, and anxiety, are widely reported within the community. However, access to psychosocial and mental health support remains limited.
Exclusion and lack of participation
Rohingya refugees in Pekanbaru also say they feel excluded and treated differently from other refugee groups. Information from responsible agencies is often delayed or unclear, leaving families uncertain about decisions that affect their lives.
Refugees say they are rarely consulted before changes are made to assistance or accommodation arrangements. This lack of participation has contributed to frustration and mistrust, with many feeling invisible despite the direct impact on their families.
Calls for dignity and action
Community members stress that their demands are not political protests, but appeals for dignity. While humanitarian assistance helps them survive, many say survival alone is not enough.
Adequate housing, food, healthcare, and education are described as basic human rights rather than privileges. Refugees say current case allowances cannot realistically cover rent, food, and daily needs at the same time, forcing families into impossible choices.
The situation of Rohingya refugees in Pekanbaru in 2026 remains a serious humanitarian concern. Without improved living conditions, fair financial support, access to essential services, and equal treatment, many fear that suffering will continue quietly and unseen.
Rohingya community members are urging UNHCR, International Organization for Migration, local authorities, and the international community to listen more closely, review assistance levels, and take meaningful action to restore dignity and hope.
For families living in limbo in Indonesia, the wait for justice, stability, and a future continues.
