Faith-based organizations (FBOs) play a crucial role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Indonesia, responding to their basic needs, health, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), education, and advocacy. Among them, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Indonesia, Church World Service (CWS), and Dompet Dhuafa exemplify how religious convictions drive humanitarian movements. This paper examines the intersection of faith and justice in shaping the work of these organizations and the individuals within them.

We explore how religious motivation—rooted in theological principles and ethical traditions—inspires commitment to refugees' dignity and rights. Catholic social teaching promotes integral human development and justice for refugees by upholding their dignity, inspiring faith-driven actions that challenge inequality, and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Protestant engagement draws from biblical imperatives and the doctrine of grace, which highlights God's unmerited love for all and compels believers to extend compassion and support to refugees. Islamic humanitarianism is deeply rooted in Quranic teachings on social responsibility and care for the vulnerable.

Beyond specific religious traditions, we analyze how universal humanitarian values align with faith-based motivations, reinforcing a shared commitment to human dignity. At the same time, this study critically examines the potential tensions between universal humanitarian principles—such as neutrality, impartiality, and non-discrimination—and the particularity of religious messages and intentions. Through qualitative analysis of FBOs’ programs and interviews with practitioners, this study highlights how faith not only compels action but also sustains resilience amid challenges in the Indonesian context. Ultimately, this paper argues that religious organizations contribute uniquely to refugee protection by integrating spiritual, ethical, and practical dimensions of service, advocating for policies that uphold justice, and fostering solidarity across religious and cultural divides, while also navigating the complexities of faith-based humanitarianism.