The Asia Research Centre (ARC UI), in collaboration with the Centre for Political Studies Universitas Indonesia (PUSKAPOL UI) and through the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), invite you to a panel discussion on “Rohingya: Forced displacement and The Politics of Resentment in Southeast Asia”.
The panel discussion aims to bring together academics, public intellectuals, and practitioners to speak of and reflect on the problems of Rohingya refugees in select countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The organisation of this panel aligns with ARC UI’s mission, to become a centre for research excellence in Asia that provides academic contribution through comparative analysis that strengthens local, national, regional, and global social resilience. The themes discussed are also relevant to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia’s priority research area in “Democratic Resilience”.
Much has been written about Rohingya issues. The latest phase of the Rohingya crisis has created substantial ripples across Southeast Asian countries. With thousands fleeing persecution in Myanmar, the influx of Rohingya refugees in neighboring countries has stirred mixed reactions. Most Rohingyas have fled to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, although some have relocated
to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. These countries, once welcomed the refugees, are increasingly turning their backs on them.
The influx of Rohingya refugees to these countries has intensified local socio-economic challenges and fuelled anti-Rohingya sentiment, largely driven by government policies, media narratives, and a weak civil society. Initially adopting a political approach to the crisis, Southeast Asian countries have shifted towards a securitised stance, framing refugees as threats to national
security and stability. This shift has been amplified by media outlets that sensationalise the Rohingya as economic burdens or security risks, reinforcing negative public perceptions.
In Malaysia, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the politics of resentment towards the Rohingya, while Indonesia has witnessed the politicization of Rohingya issues for electoral advantage in the 2024 Presidential election. Despite the worsening situation of the Rohingya crisis, ASEAN has not prevailed in its commitment to take meaningful actions to protect the
rights of the Rohingyas and prevent a wider crisis.
Against such a background, we see the urgency to critically reflect on the problems of forced displacement and the rise of resentment politics against the Rohingya in the Southeast Asia region. Understanding the root causes of this growing hostility offers an opportunity for communities to foster empathy and for governments to implement more inclusive policies.
Moving forward, an inclusive solution is essential to promote peaceful coexistence and community engagement. With sustained dialogue, socioeconomic reform, and support, a path to peaceful coexistence can be paved. With the new leadership in ASEAN, it is also high time for ASEAN to take its role as a regional leader by launching a coordinated effort for the ailing Rohingya refugees, implementing consistent policies, and promoting long-term peace in Myanmar.
Objectives
This panel discussion aims to:
- Identify factors that contribute to the growing resentment towards Rohingya refugees in
Southeast Asian nations while also identifying strategies to counter it. - Promote the use of a comparative framework to analyze country-specific case studies
(Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand).
Social sciences can potentially contribute valuable insights into contemporary crises, including
those related to the situation of Rohingya refugees. However, like many other countries that have
experienced authoritarian regimes, critical social scientists and public intellectuals in Southeast
Asia often lack the resources to produce academically sound work. Therefore, the panel
discussion also wishes to strengthen the link between academia and civil society to contribute to
human rights and promotion and peacebuilding.
Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Time: 09:30 to 11:30 Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7)
Venue: Juwono Sudarsono Auditorium, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia
Online: Participants can register or join via this link: https://bit.ly/RohingyainSoutheastAsia