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Report of the Mapping Stateless Indonesians in Mindanao conducted by Pasali Philippines for UNHCR.
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_________________________________________________________________________________
1 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
PASALI Philippines Foundation, Inc
Persons of Indonesian
Descent in Mindanao,
Philippines Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao
A Periodic Report to the United Nations High Commissioner on for
Refugees
Migrant’s initiative transforms
community through technology
and Tri-people empowerment
_________________________________________________________________________________
2 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PASALI Philippines Foundation conducted a preliminary survey early 2012 on
communities of Indonesian migrants in southern Philippines as mandated on or
behalf of UNHCR towards stateless persons. In the Philippines, one of the identified
populations of possible stateless persons is people of Indonesian descent who live in
Southern Mindanao, referred to by Filipinos as “Marori” or ‘Indo’ by their own
account.
PASALI conducted the survey from January 24 to February 10, 2012. Sample
respondents and areas were selected to represent the population being studied.
11 Indonesian communities were visited in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur
and General Santos City where according to key informants and the Bureau of
Immigration of Glan are high concentrations of Indonesian communities.
Focus group discussions were held in 9 of these communities: one (1) in General
Santos, another one (1) in Sultan Kudarat, five (5) are from Sarangani Province
which three of those belong to Glan and two (2) in Davao del Sur particularly in
Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island. Respectively, these communities are Sitio
Quilantang of Barangay Calumpang, Purok Usman Ibrahim of Barangay Kalawag
III, Sitio Punsad Barangay Burias, Sitio Laensasi of Barangay Gumasa, Brangay
Cablalan, Barangay Kanalo (Maasim), Barangay Katubao (Kiamba), Barrio Bukid
and Sitio Huai Barangay Batuganding. Key informants include 9 Panghobong, 5
government workers, one Indonesian navy, 2 Indonesian guide, 17 UCCP-ICC
pastors and lay leaders and all the Indonesian community leaders of the 11 visited
areas. Responses of 222 correspondents comprise the results of this survey.
Respondents to focus group discussions and the individual questionnaires
comprised of youth, women, elders, fisher folks, farmers, and rice mill workers. There
are instances where respondents were grouped according to sector they belong
such as women, farmers, and fisher folks to obtain more specific information on the
issues and concerns they wanted to raise and also to get their recommendations.
To further trace the location of other Indonesians, respondents were also asked
where to find their fellow Indonesians living outside their communities.
Two activities were undertaken to initiate social awareness activities preparatory to
a larger scale mapping: one with the group of Indonesian pastors from UCCP-ICC
and another is the stakeholders’ forum with government line agencies, Local
Government Units of Glan, Sarangani Province.
The results of the preliminary survey PASALI conducted in General Santos, provinces
of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the Davao del Sur area gives the calculation
of the estimated population, descriptions of basic living conditions and their
practical concerns. Ultimately, this report offers the context from which
stakeholders can further determine the status of the Indonesians in Mindanao, and
the appropriate response to the issues and concerns.
_________________________________________________________________________________
3 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Table of Contents
I. ABOUT THIS PERIOD REPORT ......................................................................................................... 5
II. Mapping Statelessness in Mindanao......................................................................................... 6
1. Background ............................................................................................................................... 7
2. OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................. 7
3. SCOPE ......................................................................................................................................... 8
4. METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 8
III. KEY FINDINGS AND RESULTS ...................................................................................................... 10
1. Population ................................................................................................................................. 10
2. Profile of the Communities .................................................................................................... 11
3. Selected Basic Demographic Information ........................................................................ 15
IV. ANNEX
1. Sites Visited and Details………………………………………………….……………..Annex I
2. Key Informants List……………………………………………………………………....Annex II
3. Focus Group Discussion Sites and Number………………………………………..Annex III
4. Research Team Members…………………………………………………………….Annex IV
_________________________________________________________________________________
4 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Definition of Terms
The following terms, as used in this report, are understood as follows:
ACR Alien Certificate of Registration
Alien Any person not a citizen of the Philippines
BI Bureau of Immigration
Brgy Short for barangay, term for congregation of people under a unit of
government
Comelec Commission on Elections
FGD Focus Group Discussion
Identification This refers to methods that can be used to “map” the situation
of stateless persons and individuals at risk of statelessness.¹
Prevention This refers to what can be done to avoid new cases of statelessness
Protection This refers to what is needed to ensure that stateless persons enjoy their
fundamental rights, pending a comprehensive solution to their
situation.²
Reduction This refers to measures that can be taken to resolve existing cases of
statelessness.³
LCR Local Civil Registrar.
Panghobong Indonesian community liaison officer
Sangir One of the ethno-linguistic group living in Sangir Islands in Indonesia.
The Sangir are sometimes confused with the Sangil, a group who
live on islands off the southern coast of Mindanao. The Sangil are a
contemporary population of Philippine Muslims descended from
Sangir who migrated to Mindanao in the seventeenth century. They
are seen as a group now distinct from the Sangir and as Filipinos
rather than Indonesians. The Sangil also have high incidence of
non-registration of birth.5
Stateless Person Under the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless
Persons, a stateless person is “a person who is not considered a
national by any state under the operation of its laws.”4
UCCP-ICC United Church of Christ in the Philippines-Indonesian Church
Congregation
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
_______________________________ ¹ Regional Expert Roundtable on Good Practices for the Identification, Prevention and Reduction of
Statelessness and the Protection of Stateless Persons in South East Asia:Discussion Paper, 28-29 October 2010,
Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand ( Co-hosted by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand
and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees),p. 4.
² ld
³ ld
_________________________________________________________________________________
5 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
4 Article 1 (1), 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Person
5 http://www.everyculture.com/East-Southeast-Asia/Sangir.html
I. ABOUT THIS PERIODIC REPORT
1. Title of the Project Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
2. Proponent: PASALI Philippines Foundation, Inc.
Address Fil-Am Avenue (Airport Road) Prk. 11-C Block 1, Barangay
Fatima, General Santos City, Philippines
Contact
Person/Number
Maribeth N. Ty
(083) 552 1155
3. Project Duration January – February 2012
4. Project Location Sarangani Province, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur (Jose
Abad Santos, Sarangani Municipality), General Santos
area
5. Total Project Cost PHP 311.850,00
PASALI Philippines Foundation, 2012
_________________________________________________________________________________
6 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Preliminary Mapping
II. Mapping Statelessness in Mindanao
On behalf of UNHCR and its mandate on the identification and protection of
stateless persons and the prevention and reduction of statelessness globally,
PASALI Philippines Foundation conducted a preliminary survey during the early
part of 2012 of communities of Indonesian origin in selected locations in
Mindanao, Philippines. PASALI found that nearly 5000 people of Indonesian
descent live in the coastal areas of Mindanao. About 30% are not registered
with the Indonesian consulate and 54% do not have proper staying permit
papers issued by the Philippine government.
Article 1(1) of the 1954 Convention relating to the status of Stateless Persons
defines a stateless person as someone “who is not considered as a national by
any State under the operation of its law”. Causes of statelessness internationally
are varied and many: including conflict of laws between States, arbitrary
deprivation of nationality, and discrimination between ethnic groups within a
given State.
Nearly all of the 6000 or so persons of Indonesian origin in Mindanao are born in
the Philippines. Many of the 5000 live in dire conditions, below the poverty line.
With no food security, clean water, proper shelter and difficulties accessing
education and limited access to health care, they are extremely limited in
exercising their basic human rights.
The results of this preliminary survey in General Santos, provinces of Sultan
Kudarat and Sarangani and the area of Davao del Sur are presented in this
report. It gives an estimate of their population in areas covered by the survey,
and a description of basic living conditions (including, practical concerns shared
by the persons surveyed). In addition, since this study is a prelude to the
mapping exercise of the UNHCR, recommendations of PASALI relating to the
conduct of such an exercise are included. Thus, this report offers the context
from which stakeholders can formulate and implement activities to further
determine the status of persons of Indonesian origin in Mindanao, and the
appropriate response to ensure their protection.
“The truth is that we are really confused. We must abide by two laws. What
we are asking is that they should not make it too difficult for us. What is due
to the people shall be given to the people. That is what we’re asking for
.”
- Madrudin Macpal
Indonesian born in Mindanao
_________________________________________________________________________________
7 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
1. Background
In the Philippines, one of the populations identified who may be at risk of
statelessness are people of Indonesian origin who live in Southern Mindanao,
referred to by Filipinos as “Marori” or “Indo” by their own account. Their history of
migration dates back to the Spanish colonization period; there were Indonesians
coming from islands of Indonesia close to Southern Mindanao. These people
migrated and settled in the islands of Sarangani, Balut and the coastal areas of the
provinces of Sarangani and Davao del Sur.
Another ethno-linguistic group of Indonesians who migrated in Southern Mindanao
before the Philippines gained independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 are the
people called Sangir. Descendants of this Sangir who came early are now
considered Filipino citizens. They also belong to the 13 Islamized or Moro tribes. Those
who arrived before and after the Philippine Independence from American control
on July 4, 1946, are considered aliens by the Philippine government.
The exact number of Indonesians today in the Philippines is unknown. A government
census in 2000 noted 43,871 Indonesians in the Philippines, making them the 5th-
largest group of aliens in the Philippines. An estimated 7,200 of that national number
is thought to be living without proper registration. The Philippine government’s survey
and registration drive in 2003 and 2005 found out that there were 2,448 Philippine-
born Indonesians. The same survey found the largest community of Indonesians in
Sarangani province, with others in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao City,
Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and North Cotabato.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesians_in_the_Philippines)
2. Objectives
The objectives of the study were the
following:
1) To get a more accurate number of
the population and gain insight into
the basic living conditions of persons
of Indonesian origin in Mindanao.
2) To identify issues and concerns
which may relate to planning and
formulation of the mapping of
stateless persons in Mindanao; and
3) to initiate social preparation and
awareness activities related to the
survey and the envisioned mapping
activity.
_________________________________________________________________________________
8 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
3. Scope
PASALI conducted the survey from January 24 to February 10, 2012. Sample
respondents and areas were selected to represent the population being studied.
Some 11 communities were visited in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur and
General Santos City. According to key informants and the BI of Glan, these are
communities of high concentrations of persons of Indonesian origin.
Focus group discussions were held in 9 of these communities. Key informants
included 9 Panghobong, 5 government workers, one Indonesian navy, 17 UCCP-ICC
pastors and lay leaders and all the community leaders who are persons of
Indonesian origin in the 11 identified areas. Responses of 222 correspondents
comprise the results of this survey.
Places like North Cotabato and Davao City had reportedly fewer numbers of
persons of Indonesian origin. They were not included in this survey. Only the target
areas of the project location are given the full concentration.
This survey involved 222 respondents: 55% were female, and 45% male. Their main
sources of income are farming, fishing, and domestic work.
4. Methodology
This survey utilized the following methods of data gathering:
1. Key Informants: the search for and interviews with persons who have
knowledge related to the objectives of this study;
2. Focus group discussions with target population to be able to know and
describe the basic living conditions of the population surveyed; and
3. Community appraisals to assess their number and status, and gather
additional information on basic living conditions.
Community Preparation
Pasali made a courtesy call to the Indonesian community liaison officer or
“Panghobong” to schedule the conduction of FGDs in the nine communities. Pasali
also has a link with ICC-UCCP Churches wherein they have the access to the
Indonesian pastors. The panghobongs and some pastors serve as the key informants
of the research. They are the one who sets the date or schedules of the group
discussion and gather the Indo-community during the day of the interview. The
panghobongs have the records of the number of Indonesian descent residing in its
area of responsibility. Twice every month, they roam around their areas to monitor
the population of Indo and report to the Indonesian Consulate quarterly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
9 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Many Indonesians in southern Mindanao suffer from lack of running water for drinking and washing, very few
have access to a village pump. “If only we could have clean water, even if we are not voting citizens.”
Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions
Respondents in the focus group discussions and the individual questionnaires
comprised of youth, women, elders, fisher folks, farmers, and rice mill workers. There
were instances when respondents were grouped according to sector where they
belong such as women, farmers, and fisher folks to obtain more specific information
on the issues and concerns they wanted to raise. Respondents were also asked
information needed to trace the locations of other persons of Indonesian origin,
living outside their communities.
Population of the Persons of Indonesian Descent
The population numbers were collected from records and knowledge of community
leaders, the Panghobong, and through ocular visits and focus group discussions. The
figures were then verified and compared with numbers from the Bureau of
Immigration Glan.
Social Preparation Activities
Two activities were undertaken to initiate social awareness preparatory to the survey
and the envisioned mapping of UNHCR: one with the group of Indonesian pastors
from UCCP-ICC and another at the stakeholders’ forum with government line
agencies and officials from the Local Government Units of Glan, Sarangani
Province.
_________________________________________________________________________________
10 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
III. RESULTS
1. Population
Respondents gave either estimated numbers of households or individuals of
Indonesian origin in their respective areas of habitation and work.
Table 1.1 shows these figures collated:
PLACE HOUSEHOLD POPULATION
(INDIVIDUAL)
Number of Persons
enumerated
Sarangani Province:
Maitum 11
Malapatan 9
Malungon 0
Alabel 30
Maasim 30 17
Kiamba 78
Glan:
Brgy Gumasa 44 490
(in these 3
brgys)
23
Brgy Burias 30 18
Brgy Cablalan 45 24
Brgy Baliton 68
Brgy Small Margus 141
Brgy Big Margus 14
Davao del Sur:
Sarangani Municipality 1,800 38
Jose Abad Santos 230 45
Sultan Kudarat:
Tacurong 44
Isulan 178 27
Lambayong 8
Esperanza 62
Laguilayan 17
Bo. Barras 10
South Cotabato:
Upper Valley
(Nurallah, Surallah, Banga)
294
Tupi 100
Gen Santos City 107 19
The Bureau of Immigration office in Glan, Sarangani has registered around 3,290
native-born Indonesians who had acquired Alien Certificate of Registration as of
February 13, 2012. Their areas of coverage are Sarangani Province, Sarangani
Island, Municipality of Sarangani (Balut), Jose Abad Santos and Sultan Kudarat.
Majority of the population live in Sarangani, closest to Balut island- where their
forefathers supposedly first came from Indonesia before crossing the mainland.
Respondents are second and third generation Indonesian origin and most of
them are born where they currently reside. Only a handful of the original migrants
live today. Most of them are 60 years old and above.
Table 1.1
_________________________________________________________________________________
11 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
2. Profile of the Communities
All the information stated in the profiles of each areas and/or barangays are
based on the research and interviews conducted by PASALI team during their
visit and community assessment.
1. Sitio Quilantang, Brgy Calumpang, Gen. Santos City
Quilantang is an urban community located in one of the coastal barangays of
General Santos City. Majority of the persons of Indonesian descent in Quilantang
work in big fishing companies owned by Filipino businessmen. These employers
require them to have papers, and steps have been taken for them to have ACRs
and work permits. Household income ranges from P3,000 to P7,000 monthly (with
occasional peaks to P7,000 due to higher fish catch). Some housewives are
engaged in laundry job in order to augment income for their family sustenance.
Most of them rent houses owned by Filipinos. They have access to running water
and electricity.
Educational institutions are at close distance from Quilantang. Respondents enroll
children in public elementary and secondary schools, which according to them,
are mandated by law to accept even non-Filipino students. Public school tuition
and fees are free. Of the 19 respondents interviewed, 9 have finished elementary
school, 3 high school and 4 had a year or two in college.
Medicine and medical assistance of health centers are within the reach of the
constituents. Medical services of clinics and hospitals in Dadiangas can be
availed of. Majority have membership in PhilHealth, the state-insurance service.
Water sources come from the water district and pitcher pumps. Mothers could
avail of pre-natal check up, some medicine, vaccination for their children, and
health education from the health center for free.
2. Sitio Punsad, Brgy. Burias, Glan, Sarangani Province
Burias is one of the far flung villages in Glan. Persons of Indonesian origin in the
village earn their living by tending coconut plantation owned by Filipinos. Planting
corn in vacant areas also provide them additional income. Their income bracket
ranges from P1,000 to P3,000 every month. Others engaged in subsistence fishing
use hook and line and small fishing nets. However, their catch are just enough for
family consumption, considering the short range that their manually-paddled
small fishing boat could reach. Thirteen of the 18 interviewees during the FGD said
they have ACRs.
Their water supply comes from a handful of spring and few pitcher pumps. In
2011, Burias was hit by a whirlwind which has caused the partial destruction of
some houses including the UCCP Church where they congregate regularly. The
local government and the Indonesian Consulate Office extended relief
assistance to the affected families.
Children of Indonesian origin avail of free elementary and secondary education
from public schools which are at a walking distance from their residences. Their
dwellings are made of light materials erected on lots owned by Filipinos where
they are permitted to occupy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
12 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Majority do not have PhilHealth membership. Mothers could avail of pre-natal
check up, vaccination for their children, and health education for free; but the
medicine supply at the health center is limited (according to the group of
mothers interviewed in Sitio Punsad). Glan has a municipal hospital that provides
medical services for all its constituents regardless of citizenship but these services
require fees.
3. Sitio Laensase, Brgy. Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province
Brgy Gumasa is one of the tourist destinations in Sarangani Province because of its
white sand beaches. Persons of Indonesian origin in this village mainly engage in
tending coconut farm and producing banana (cardava). Others earn from
fishing using their motorized boat while those with manually-paddled small boats
have catch just enough for family consumption. Twenty of the 23 Indonesians
participants of the FGD have ACRs.
The income bracket of the farmers ranges from P1,000 to P3,000 monthly. Having
no owned lots, most build their houses on lots owned by Filipinos where they are
allowed to stay. Residents of Laensase get their water source from a spring which
is 30 minutes away by foot from their homes.
Although health services such as prenatal check-up, vaccination, and health
education are availed of at the nearest health center, this center is more than
two kilometers away.
4. Brgy Cablalan, Glan, Sarangani Province
Indonesians in Cablalan are engaged in tending coconut plantations and
producing other crops such as corn, banana and vegetables. Some fisher folks
are engaged in fishing with their motorized boats. Their income ranges from
P2,000 to P9,000 every month, says group of fishermen in Brgy. Cablalan. Houses
are erected on Filipino-owned lots where they are allowed to dwell for free. Only
8 of the 24 participants of the FGD have ACRs.
Housing: low incomes and lack of property rights have forced some persons of Indonesian origin in Sarangani,
Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur to live in shacks such as these.
_________________________________________________________________________________
13 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
5. Purok Usman, Ibrahim, Brgy Kalawag III, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Brgy. Kalawag III is an agricultural area whose major produce is rice. Most persons
of Indonesian origin here work as seasonal laborers in big rice mills owned by local
businessmen, receiving P500 to P3,000 monthly. It is during harvest season that
they have work but during land preparation and production, they have little to no
work according to the women respondents in Brgy. Kalawag. Some of them
therefore turn to backyard inland aquaculture, raising catfish and tilapia. Around
20 of the 27 participants of the FGD have ACRs.
6. Brgy Kanalo, Maasim, Sarangani Province
Persons of Indonesian origin living in the coastal Brgy Kanalo work as laborers on
coconut, banana and vegetable farms owned by Filipinos. Their monthly income
ranges from P1,500 to P3,000. Others earn from fishing while women do laundry
job to get additional income. Filipino land owners allow occupancy of their
properties where Indonesians could build their houses. Only 3 of the 17
participants to the FGD have ACRs.
There is a spring in Kanalo and a few pitcher pumps where the community gets
their water from. Day care and elementary education can be availed of through
nearby learning institutions. Majority of the adults of Indonesian origin in Kanalo
have reached elementary level of education.
Very few have PhilHealth membership while medical services in the barangays
such as pre-natal check-up, vaccination, and health education are available for
free from the barangay health center according to the respondents working in
that center also. Maasim has its own municipal hospital that can be reached by a
twenty- minute ride from Kanalo, but the respondents rarely go there for lack of
funds.
7. Brgy Katubao, Kiamba, Sarangani Province
Katubao is a coastal barangay producing copra and corn. Persons of Indonesian
origin tend coconut, corn and banana farms, while others engage in fishing.
Household income here ranges from P500 to P1,500 monthly. Just like other
Indonesians in Sarangani, they are permitted by land owners to occupy some
areas to build their houses.
Services of the barangay health center like pre-natal check-up, vaccination and
health education can be availed of for free. Very few have PhilHealth
membership. According to the women family members of Panghobong in
Kiamba, water sources are coming from spring and pitcher pumps.
Elementary and secondary education is free from the nearby schools. Katubao
has a Madrasa where Muslim Indonesian children acquire Islamic education and
Arabic literacy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
14 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
8. Barrio Bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur
According to the records of the community leader residing in Barrio Bukid, Jose
Abad Santos, there are 230 identified persons of Indonesian origin living in his area
of responsibility.
Barrio Bukid is known to have fierce waves which keep most of these persons
working at coconut plantations rather than the sea. However, some have
expressed wishes to fish further along the coast, but they would need motorized
boats and other fishing equipment. Income bracket ranges from P300 to P2,000
every month. Only 11 of the 45 Indonesians who joined the FGD have ACRs.
There are 3 pitcher pumps in the area for water. There is no electricity. They build
their homes on rented lots. Only day care and elementary schools are accessible.
Children must ride a boat to get to the elementary school. Secondary school and
college are more than an hour away from their place. No one has access to
health care, due to the distance and poor road conditions. In fact, one of the
respondent in Barrio Bukid showed symptoms of Tuberculosis and cases of death
due to zero hospitalization. Among the 45 correspondents interviewed in
community meetings, only seven claimed to have PhilHealth insurance.
9. Sitio Huwaii, Brgy Batuganding, Sarangani Mun., Davao del Sur
Most persons of Indonesian origin in Huai work in coconut plantations while few
are fishing. Their income bracket ranges from P500 to P1,000. This minimal earning
can be attributed to the system of sharing with the land owners wherein the
expenses for the work in producing copra are deducted from the share of the
tenants. Many men say they have the ability to fish but lack the equipment. Only
31 of the 38 participants of the FGD have ACRs.
Water from a spring is more than an hour walk away by foot. They also collect
and use rain water with bamboo gutters leading to containers. Most of the houses
are temporary in nature and made of light materials.
ACR: the fees, penalities and travel expenses to get ACRs are so unaffordable, many are forced to live
undocumented. “We don’t even have money to buy rice, how can we afford the ACR?”
_________________________________________________________________________________
15 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Very few have membership with PhilHealth while health services from a barangay
health center are not available. The day care and elementary school is an hour’s
walk away.
3. Selected Basic Demographic Information
1. Registration
ACR: 54% of the respondents do not and cannot renew their ACR
“We don’t even have money to buy rice, how can we get the ACR?” lamented
a respondent. About 51.36% of the respondents have an Alien Certificate of
Registration while 52.72% have Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.
Only thirty-seven respondents or 16.85% have an Indonesian passport.
The Bureau of Immigration collects P410 for the ACR fee for new registrants who
are 14 years old or older while P210 for people below 14 years old. For ACR
renewal, Indonesians pay P160. According to the BI, this fee hass already been
lowered specifically for Indonesians, since the real fee is P1,000.
Table 1.2 Shows estimated expenses for ACR Renewal of a certain family living in
Jose Abad Santos.
ACR Renewal Expenses
Family of Cornelio Lansehe
Particulars No. of Family Members
Renewal Fee (160/head)
12 (10 children + parents)
1,920.00
Transportation (700/head) (estimated fare per person from JAS to BI Glan and vice versa)
8,400.00
Meals (100/head) 1,200.00
Lodging (1000/day) 1,000.00
TOTAL ACR Expenses 12, 520.00
Income of Cornelio Lansehe 1,000.00/mo. x 12 mos. 12, 000.00
Mr. Lansehe expenses for his ACR renewal including his family will cost him more
than his estimated income for one year.
As a general rule, personal appearance is needed for ACR registration. However,
someone may be allowed to register another person upon the issuance of a
Special Power of Attorney authorizing him or her to do so. This process usually
costs an additional P500. The penalty for those who have failed to renew their
ACR is P200 per month.
In this study, 54% of the respondents do not have or have not renewed their ACRs.
With meager income, according to the respondents, most can only afford the
renewal fee for one or two persons but not their entire family. Costs then continue
to pile up as requirements such as Barangay and NBI clearances must be
obtained. Then, there are travel costs and cost of board and lodging in the town
where the BI is located. On top of that is the penalty fee for tardiness.
_________________________________________________________________________________
16 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
In 2005, the Indonesian Consulate sponsored the registration fee of ACRs. Some
1,944 persons were newly registered in 2005, compared to 209 in 2004 and 261 in
2003. In 2006, only 512 were registered and 174 in 2007.
There are cases of mixed marriages. Many of these families no longer register.
1. Basic living conditions: water, food, shelter & sanitation
Six out of the nine communities visited in west-coast Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat
and Davao del Sur struggle with the lack of proper water facilities. In some areas
like Huai in Balut Island, people must walk an hour before reaching a spring. There
are also reported cases of diarrhea in some communities surveyed like Sitio Huai,
due to the absence of potable water. Toilets in many of these communities are
rare.
Food security is a major concern issue; a big slice of their income goes to buying
food. Three far-flung communities (Cablalan, Bo. Bukid and Sitio Huai) have poor
road condition and no electricity.
74% of the residents in the 3 far-flung areas lease land and build their own houses,
usually combinations of light materials, such as bamboo, concrete and iron
corrugated roofing.
2. Access to some basic state services: health and education
Education
Most (70%) of the respondents have some level of elementary education, some
(10.7%) have some level of secondary education, and only a few (2.2%) have
studied in college while the remaining portion (17.1%) is illiterate. Distance,
poorinfrastructure, and poverty keep them from obtaining full elementary, high
school education, and college. Public school tuition may be free, but
transportation, school supplies, project materials, and food are not. For families
who barely make enough to eat, the amount of these costs makes education
inaccessible. There are 14 respondents who obtained a college degree had
faced the situation of not being hired due to their immigration status.
Figure 2:
Respondents with
and without ACRs
Source: PASALI
Philippines,
Preliminary
Survey of
Indonesians in
Mindanao, 2012
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17 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Out-of-school youth rarely have access to vocational training offered by any
institutions for technical skills to earn a living. Among these communities is Barrio
Bukid with high out-of-school incidences, teenage marriage is prevalent. 13 of the
45 respondents on the FGD in Barrio Bukid, JAS have this case.
Few institutions offer scholarship opportunities. In Davao City, there is an
Indonesian school which provides free education to Indonesian citizens. The
UCCP also sponsors one Indonesian scholar enrolled in college.
Education & Health stipends
Some respondents admitted to be beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program (4Ps). The 4Ps is the Philippine government’s poverty alleviation
program which incorporates a Conditional Cash Transfer scheme. This program
offers the poorest families a stipend of about 17% of their income to be used for
children’s needs, including food, school supplies.
Health: access to health care services
The persons of Indonesian origin living in urban areas like General Santos City
have access to medical services of health centers and public hospitals. However,
in far-flung barangays like Barrio Bukid and Barangay Batuganding with poor road
conditions, health care access can be a challenge.
In Barrio Bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur accessibility to hospital is very
difficult. During emergency situation like risky childbirth, serious illness, a patient
had to be ferried in a motorized boat to reach Glan municipal hospital. But this is
only possible to those who can afford the cost of the travel where they have to
rent motorized boat to transport the patient.
Figure 3:
Educational
attainment
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18 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Health: state health insurance (Philhealth)
Filipinos enjoy the benefits of PhilHealth like 30% to 40% deduction in hospital bills.
At present, the monthly premium for PhilHealth self-employed members is only
P100. Most Indonesians do not have PhilHealth membership. Being primary
dependent of their Filipino spouses, some Indonesians avail of PhilHealth benefits.
About 18.18% of the Indonesians who participated in this study have PhilHealth
membership. Although it is intended for Filipinos, the processing of requirements is
not so strict especially when election is coming.
3. Livelihoods and socio-economic issues
Most of the Indonesians in Mindanao have no stable income and rely on seasonal
work from the coconut plantations, rice and vegetable production, and fishing
enterprises owned by Filipinos. It can be attributed to their low educational
Indonesian women in Barangay Cablalan, Glan, Sarangani speak with PASALI interviewers. Many families would like
to have the right to participate in government programs, particularly education and health care for their children.
Figure 1: Main livelihoods of the survey sample
_________________________________________________________________________________
19 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
attainment, less support from agencies for livelihood training skills, and no micro-
financing opportunities.
Living & Income: coconut plantations
Majority in coastal areas are tenants of coconut plantations where they are
receiving a P500-share as tresyador (receipient of one-third portion). Such
amount is left from the tresya (one-third) share they get where other expenses are
deducted during the production of copra. Coconut farm workers receive a
varied wage rate of P100 to P200 per day. However, they only have jobs during
harvest time which falls every three months. Although they are merely tenants,
persons working in these plantations are the children of those who originally
planted many of the trees currently on the plantation.
Living & Income: rice production
The persons of Indonesian origin also reached some parts of central Mindanao
like Isulan which is known for rice production. Rice mills operate only whenever
there is harvest. Persons who work in those establishments are called only when
there are clients. Their income is P50 per day.
Living & Income: fishing
Those who can fish lack the motorized boats to reach wider fishing grounds for
bigger catch. Having manually-paddled small boats allows them to catch fish
near the shoreline which are only enough for their family’s consumption.
During the peak of the tuna industry when the Philippine and Indonesian
governments had a bilateral agreement allowing Filipino fishing vessels to enter
Indonesian territory for fishing activities, persons of Indonesian origin were hired by
big fishing companies who preferred Indonesians since they could communicate
in Bahasa with their trade partners in Indonesia.
However, when Indonesia restricted fishing in their territory a few years ago, the
tuna industry declined and persons of Indonesian origin employed in big fishing
companies lost their jobs. Having neither college degree nor technical education,
many became jobless. Some survive now as seasonal laborers in construction
firms.
Land ownership and Tenancy
Some are allowed to utilize the coconut farms for intercropping with corn as
tenants. However, they may have problems with land ownership due to
citizenship issues.
The community in Balut Island recalled a land dispute where they were forced to
sell at an unreasonably low price the property they customarily owned. It is
customary ownership since they claim to be there prior to any Filipino national,
but they have never processed documents proving ownership.
In 1981, an Indonesian who tilled a12-hectare farm on Balut Island was compelled
to sell his property for fear of deportation.
_________________________________________________________________________________
20 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Job limitations
Non-Filipino nationals must apply for a work permit. Majority reported to be
unable to comply with the requirements for the issuance of a work permit.
Those working for fishing companies in the Gensan area have managed to obtain
work permits with the companies’ assistance. But others, particularly members of
the younger generation of persons of Indonesian origin, suffer from not having the
legal right to be hired by private companies because of their citizenship. (Source:
FGD and Stakeholders Forum)
Social Security
Only 8.2% are members of the Social Security System. SSS is a program of the
government for the Filipinos which gives benefits that include pension, loan,
mortuary, and disability assistance.
3. Safety, security and Exercise of civil and political rights
The fear of repatriation
The fear of being repatriated is greatly felt by most who have no ACR or failed to
renew such document. Moreover, they worry of being evicted from the lots where
their houses are built should the owner utilize such properties. This fear in turn
increases the number of persons without proper documentation as they do not
want to approach authorities involved with registration for fear of being deported
Many Indonesians in Glan claim their fathers and grandfathers planted the coconut trees who now currently
on many farms, yet are prohibited to own land. If the landowner turns them out, they have no place to go
and are prohibited to work anywhere else. Therefore, says many, “it would be good to be allowed to work
for the government and private companies”.
_________________________________________________________________________________
21 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
.
Detention
There were reported cases of detention. In General Santos City, respondents
reported an incident where three Indonesian youth were apprehended and
accused as terrorists. They however denied the allegation. It is uncertain what
became of them, whether they were released or held.
At the forum on statelessness in Glan, organized by PASALI and UNHCR, speaker
Elvira Ramos, a Filipino-American with an Indonesian husband, said that her
husband was arrested by police officers in Davao without being given any reason
therefore. Her husband was subsequently jailed for two months.
Political participation
Although it was a requirement that those who will register as voters must present a
birth certificate which confirms Filipino citizenship, 54% of the 220 respondents, or
119 were COMELEC registered and could vote during elections in the Philippines.
COMELEC representative of Glan, Gertrudez Omania, present at the forum on
statelessness for stakeholders, confirmed that “they indeed have received and
accepted non-Filipino applicants”.
Several respondents have expressed concerns over election-related harassments
received. Other complaints that surfaced were that of local officials refusing to
provide a water system to a community where some of them were not registered
voters. One has revealed that he was refused medical assistance by a local
government representative because of citizenship issues.
Respondents in selected communities reported being able to vote in Indonesian
elections due to a drive for absentee voting by the Indonesian Consulate.
4. Identity & Preferred citizenship
Some 120 respondents (55%) wish to live in the Philippines permanently. Only 5%
wants to live in Indonesia and the rest are undecided. A few 1st generation
Indonesian-born seniors (ages 60 and up), wish to have dual citizenship.
Most of the respondents prefer to acquire Filipino citizenship for they say they love
the Philippines, their neighbors, and they would not want to leave their families
here, particularly those in intermarriages. They would like the rights that go with
this citizenship, including the right to avail of the services of the government and
other opportunities enjoyed by Filipinos citizens.
They see the difficulty in starting anew in Indonesia. To stay in Indonesia would
mean adjusting to a new culture, people and having to face the heightened
insecurity of procuring a means of living.
Parallel to their wish to stay is the strong desire to retain their Indonesian
background. They prefer to be called ‘Indo’ rather than ‘Marori’ which is the term
that Filipinos had labelled them. The reasons for their strong attachment to their
origins include the lack of means to fully integrate in Philippine society.
_________________________________________________________________________________
22 PASALI Philippines Foundation Preliminary Mapping of Persons of Indonesian Descent in
Mindanao, Philippines
Figure 4:
Preferred country
of residence
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