From International Protocol to Practice: Aceh’s Holistic Response to Rohingya Refugees

Abstract

This study draws on a qualitative investigation conducted in Aceh, Indonesia, between March and November 2024, with field data collected from 15 August to 2 September 2024. It explores the intersection between the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) framework and local wisdom in addressing the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees. The GPC framework – based on principles of participation, accountability, and empowerment – offers a structured model for coordinating international humanitarian responses. In Aceh, the global framework is enriched by the region’s Islamic-rooted values and traditions of communal solidarity. Based on field interviews, focus group discussions, and institutional data, the study illustrates how local communities in Aceh have contextualized the GPC to their specific cultural context. The findings underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and integrated protection strategies. This model demonstrates the potential for refugee responses that are globally informed, yet locally grounded, effective, and sustainable. By addressing a longstanding gap in refugee literature – namely, how global protection standards interact with culturally embedded systems – the study contributes to the development of humanitarian crisis management as a science. It also provides a contextual policy reference that may inform future national frameworks in Indonesia and the Southeast Asian region.