Jakarta. Desperate for shelter, asylum seekers and refugees from many war-torn countries cross oceans and continents to arrive in Indonesia, despite restrictions that most often leave them stranded for years with no legal status.

While in Indonesia they are free of violence or persecution they face at home, they must still fight for survival. Many of them will have to live on the streets for indefinite time. Or in prison, if they are lucky.

In Jakarta, the immigration detention center in Kalideres, in the western part of the city, has become a sanctuary that many hope to enter. But it is not easy.

Although the facility is meant for offenders, not refugees, its authorities have allowed some people in. While it can accommodate only 120 people, twice as many are living there as of early January, when these photographs were taken. Newcomers usually end up sleeping in front of the prison building.