Humanitarian Crisis of Rohingya Refugees in Aceh

Aceh, 3 April 2024 - The humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees is back in the spotlight in Aceh. Several boats carrying Rohingya refugees have landed in Aceh province. It is known that the boats have brought approximately 500 Rohingya refugees every month to take refuge in Aceh Province, Indonesia. Launching data from the Aceh Provincial Task Force, until now the number of Rohingya refugees who came to Aceh Province amounted to around 1,684 refugees. This number is predicted to continue to grow if boats carrying Rohingya refugees continue to land in Aceh Province.

Rohingya refugees stranded in Aceh live in appalling conditions. They inhabit modest temporary shelters, with limited access to food, clean water, and health services. Launching data from UNHCR Indonesia, the suffering of Rohingya refugees is increasing due to the trauma of persecution and dangerous sea journeys. The people of Aceh, known for their hospitality and concern for others, welcomed the arrival of the Rohingya refugees with open arms. Humanitarian assistance continues to flow from various parties, both the government, community organizations, and civil society in Aceh. However, not a few Acehnese people gave resistance to the arrival of Rohingya refugees to their territory. This is certainly a problem that arises in Indonesian society because if this problem is left unchecked, it will bring bad social impacts and economic burdens for the majority of Acehnese and the Aceh provincial government itself.

One of the factors that made the Rohingya refugees flee to several countries including the Aceh region in Indonesia was because their shelters located in Bangladesh had exceeded capacity. This makes some other Rohingya people prefer to flee to several countries in the Southeast Asian region including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar so that they can continue their lives for the better. In addition, domestic conditions in Bangladesh are also one of the factors that make it impossible for Rohingya to stay longer in their shelters.

"The issue of the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees is often raised in various forums of international organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and several other organizations. However, in its implementation, there is not much action taken by international organizations and other countries in dealing with Rohingya refugees. The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has coordinated with UNHCR and continues to strive to find a more comprehensive long-term solution in dealing with the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees in Aceh. One of the efforts that the Indonesian government has made in dealing with this humanitarian crisis is to meet the basic needs of Rohingya refugees. This effort is certainly a step for the Indonesian government in anticipating the continuation of the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees in Aceh. Because the Indonesian government has tried to coordinate with UNHCR Indonesia, of course we hope UNHCR can follow up on the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees that is being faced by Indonesia, "said Maulana Rifai, MA, Lecturer of International Relations Study Program, Singaperbangsa University Karawang.

In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees in Aceh is one of the complex problems being faced by the Indonesian government and requires a comprehensive solution. In addition, cooperation and solidarity from all relevant parties are also needed in helping Rohingya refugees so that they get a decent and safe life. The role of international organizations such as UNHCR is also indispensable to be able to overcome this humanitarian crisis.