Art has always been one of the ways I understand the world and connect with others. When I began spending time with refugee youth in Indonesia, our shared moments of painting, conversation, and laughter showed me how creativity could build connections beyond differences in language or background. I was struck by the talent, kindness, and imagination around me, and by how few opportunities existed for these qualities to be supported and seen.

That realization led me to found the ReRoot Project, combining my passion for art with a commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable opportunities for refugee youth.

At the ReRoot Project, we seek to creatively empower young artists through recurring workshops where they can develop artistic skills, express their ideas, and celebrate the identities, cultures, and dreams that make each of them unique.

However, our work does not end when a workshop is over. Selected artworks, shared with the artists’ informed consent, will be curated into a range of thoughtfully produced merchandise. Proceeds from these products will be directed back toward participating artists, their families, and community learning centres, helping creativity become a pathway toward both personal and economic empowerment.

Through our merchandise, advocacy events, publications, and community events, we also hope to bring together people from all walks of life upon a shared mission: to celebrate refugee communities in Indonesia. Every artwork carries the perspective of the young person who created it, allowing their creativity to reach wider audiences while raising awareness throughout Jakarta.

The ReRoot Project strives to challenge the misconception that refugees are burdens and instead shed light on the truth that they are amazing individuals with invaluable stories, and incredible talents to contribute to our shared community.

I continue to be inspired by the resilience, kindness, and imagination of our young refugee friends. Together, we hope to build a community where their creativity is valued and their stories are heard, guided by the belief that home is not only a place we inherit, but something we can build together.

Celine Junus
Founder and Director, ReRoot Project