Over 260 Rohingya Refugees Land in Aceh After Days at Sea
More than 260 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, arrived in Indonesia’s easternmost province of Aceh after spending several days adrift at sea, an official reported on Monday, Arab News reported. The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, face severe persecution in Myanmar, leading thousands to undertake perilous sea journeys each year in hopes of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia.
Iskandar, an official from East Aceh, stated that this group landed on a beach in West Peureulak around 10:25 p.m. local time on Sunday. The group consists of 264 individuals—117 men and 147 women, with approximately 30 children among them. They had been traveling on two boats, one of which sank off the coast, while the other was able to reach the shore as the tide receded.
According to Iskandar, the refugees reported being turned away in Malaysia. The local government has yet to determine their next steps. The arrival of Rohingya in Indonesia often follows a cyclical trend, decreasing during stormy seasons and increasing when conditions improve. In November, over 100 refugees were rescued after their boat sank near East Aceh, and in October, 152 Rohingya were allowed ashore after being stranded for days off South Aceh.
Indonesia, not a signatory to the UN refugee convention, asserts it cannot be forced to accept refugees from Myanmar, urging neighboring nations to share the responsibility of resettling the Rohingya. While many Acehnese, recalling their own history of conflict, express sympathy for the Rohingya, some residents feel their resources are being strained and have reported tensions with the newcomers.
