Acting Governor Of Aceh Coordinates Handling Rohingya Refugees With UNHCR

BANDA ACEH - Acting Governor of Aceh Achmad Marzuki stated that he had coordinated with the world agency that manages cross-border refugees, UNHCR, regarding the handling of Rohingya immigrants who landed on Weh Island, Sabang City.

"We have spoken and coordinated with UNHCR regarding the handling of Rohingya immigrants who arrived in Sabang a few days ago. We also arrived so that they could prepare the location," said Achmad Marzuki in Banda Aceh as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, December 5.

Previously, 139 Rohingya immigrants landed on the coast of Ie Meulee Beach, Suka Jaya District, Sabang City, Aceh Province, on Saturday (2/12) at around 02.30 WIB.

The Rohingya immigrants landed for the second. The previous landing in Sabang City was 219 immigrants on Tuesday (21/11) at 23.00. Furthermore, the 219 immigrants were transferred to a shelter in Lhokseumawe City.

Achmad Marzuki said the handling of Rohingya immigrants was carried out according to regional capabilities. The Aceh government wrote to the ministry regarding how the next solution was for the Rohingya immigrants.

"We also continue to build communication with UNHCR and IOM so that both of them play a role in handling these immigrants. The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights also wrote to us to find a solution for how to deal with Rohingya immigrants who are accommodated in several places in Aceh," he said.

Regarding the public's rejection of the presence of Rohingya immigrants, Achmad Marzuki said that the people themselves know why they reject the presence of Rohingya immigrants. The rejection also has something to do with the local wisdom of the people.

"The rejection depends on the community and their local wisdom. Those who know the community. We also ask the regions to continue to build communication regarding the handling of Rohingya immigrants," said Achmad Marzuki.

To date, 1,223 Rohingya immigrants have come using wooden boats to Aceh Province from November 14 to December 2, 2023. Currently, they are accommodated in a number of places in Aceh.