Hundreds of Rohingya Refugees Return to Aceh

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Ratusan Pengungsi Rohingya Kembali Masuk Aceh

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Rohingya ethnic refugees perform the Friday prayer at the temporary shelter of Mina Foundation in Padang Tiji District, Pidie Regency, Aceh on Friday (23/11/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Two ships carrying at least 315 Rohingya ethnic refugees landed in Aceh Besar and Pidie Regencies, Aceh Province, on Sunday (10/12/2023). It is suspected that there is involvement of human trafficking networks behind the massive influx of Rohingya refugees to Aceh.

According to information gathered by Kompas, a wooden ship landed in Lamreh Village, Mesjid Raya District, Aceh Besar, at 08.30 WIB. The ship was carrying 135 refugees. After the ship ran aground, the refugees waded through the waves to the beach. A total of 35 were children and 100 adults.

Also read: Jokowi Mentions Allegations of Human Trafficking in the Case of Rohingya Refugees in Aceh

Meanwhile, another ship brought 180 refugees to land on Blang Raya Village Beach, Muara Tiga Sub-district, Pidie, on Sunday at 03.30 am. There were 53 children and 127 adult refugees.

The police, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and local government are currently conducting data collection for refugees. Light food and drinks assistance are also provided for the refugees.

UNHCR Indonesia staff, Faisal Rahman, was contacted from Jakarta on Sunday, stating that they are currently collecting data and checking the health of refugees. As an initial step, UNHCR is fulfilling basic needs such as food, drink, and medication.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Two Rohingya refugee children take care of their sick mother upon arriving at Ulee Lheu Port in the city of Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, on Wednesday (22/11/2023).

"Ensuring that all basic needs are met. Access to emergency standard sanitation needs will be fulfilled without burdening the local community and government," said Faisal.

Faisal stated that currently the refugees are still on the beach. UNHCR is waiting for the government to determine a temporary placement location.

Also read: Continue to Arrive, President Orders Joint Handling of Rohingya Refugees

In a previous interview, Faisal stated that the presence of refugees is purely due to their own desire and is not facilitated by any specific party. Regarding indications of smuggling and allegations of human trafficking, Faisal believes that it falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.

President Joko Widodo, on Monday (12/8/2023) in Jakarta, stated that there is a suspicion of human trafficking behind the arrival of Rohingya refugees in Indonesia. The President ordered the police to follow up on this matter. However, regarding the refugees, the President urged all parties to handle them appropriately.

"The Indonesian government will take firm action against TIP perpetrators and humanitarian assistance to refugees will be provided by prioritizing the interests of local residents," said the President,(Kompas.id, 8/12/2023).

Faisal explained that his team does not have the authority to designate a shelter location. He hopes that residents will not reject refugees as Aceh is not the final destination for Rohingya refugees.

Also read: One ​​suspect in smuggling Rohingya refugees in Aceh arrested

Lately, there has been a public perception that there is intentional involvement in Rohingya refugee ships landing in Indonesia. However, according to Faisal, Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and even India, have also provided shelter for them.

"Actually, the number of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia and Thailand is higher compared to Indonesia," said Faisal.

When they have arrived on land, it is the duty of the government and international agencies to handle the situation quickly and accurately in order to avoid any rejection reactions.

Aceh's traditional sea figure, Adli Abdullah, explains that according to sea customary law, anyone who experiences difficulties at sea must be helped, including Rohingya refugees. Allowing someone to be in danger at sea violates sea customary law.

"When they have arrived on land, the government and international institutions have the task of handling the situation quickly and accurately so as to avoid any rejection reactions," said Adli.

KOMPAS/ZULKARNAINI

Ethnic Rohingya refugees line up for lunch at a temporary shelter in Yayasan Mina, Padang Tiji sub-district, Pidie district, Aceh, on Friday (23/11/2023).

Adli assesses that the emergence of protests against the presence of Rohingya refugees in Aceh is not purely born out of Acehnese society. Adli suspects that certain parties have conditioned the situation to incite residents to reject the presence of Rohingya.

"To prevent any reactions from the locals upon arrival on land, the refugees are immediately relocated to a designated location," said Adli.

Currently, the number of Rohingya refugees in Aceh is around 1,600 people who are spread across the cities of Sabang, Pidie, Aceh Besar, and Lhokseumawe.

Also read: Save Rohingya Lives