As an increasing number of Rohingya refugees are turned away by Indonesian residents amid recent unrest, efforts by the U.N. to negotiate their safe disembarkation remain ongoing, highlighting a complex dilemma where humanitarian needs clash with community concerns.
Indonesian Community Rejects Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea Despite Humanitarian Efforts
Indonesian Community Rejects Rohingya Refugees Stranded at Sea Despite Humanitarian Efforts
Over 140 Rohingya refugees are stranded off the coast of Indonesia, as local communities deter their arrival due to fears of unrest.
A group of approximately 140 Rohingya refugees has found themselves stranded at sea for more than a week, as the residents of a town in Indonesia's Aceh Province have collectively refused to allow them ashore. The inhabitants have been providing basic necessities such as food and water to the stranded refugees from their boats but have resisted the idea of bringing them to land due to fears concerning recent disturbances associated with previous refugees.
According to community leader Muhammad Jabal, the residents’ concerns stem from reports of littering, theft, and safety issues that arose in nearby towns, which had hosted similar arrivals. “As a community, we request that, if possible, the boat not stay in our area," Jabal remarked, expressing uncertainty about what should happen next.
The rejection of the Rohingya, who have fled systematic persecution in Myanmar, is indicative of a broader trend observed in recent migrations, where instances of hostility toward newcomers have proliferated, fueled by social media misinformation. Local author Murizal Hamzah noted that this negative sentiment has grown stronger in the past year, complicating the once-welcoming stance of some Indonesian communities that have historically accepted refugees.
The United Nations’ refugee agency is currently in talks with Indonesian authorities to facilitate the safe arrival of the Rohingya. Tiy Chung, a spokesman for the agency, expressed hope for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of the individuals stranded at sea. The Rohingya, predominantly Muslim, represent one of the most persecuted ethnic minorities globally, with many having been displaced since the 2017 genocide in Myanmar.
