Jokowi Ensures Temporary Aid Supply For Rohingya Refugees, The Interests Of Acehnese Are Still Prioritized

JAKARTA - President Jokowi ensured that the supply of temporary assistance for Rohingya refugees in Aceh province. But Jokowi emphasized that the interests of local residents remain prioritized.

"Temporary humanitarian assistance to refugees will be provided by prioritizing the interests of the local community," Jokowi said as quoted from a statement via the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Friday, December 8.

President Jokowi suspects that there is involvement in the Trafficking in Persons (TPPO) network in the flow of Rohingya refugees entering Indonesian territory in Aceh province.

"I received reports about Rohingya refugees increasingly entering Indonesian territory, especially Aceh province. There is a strong suspicion that there is involvement in the TIP network in this refugee flow," said Jokowi.

Jokowi emphasized that the government will take action against the perpetrators of the TIP who brought Rohingya refugees to Aceh. In recent times, a wave of Rohingya refugees has continued to enter Aceh by water.

"The Indonesian government will take firm action against TIP players," said Jokowi.

As previously reported, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD emphasized that the state is helping Rohingya refugees for the sake of humanity even though Indonesia has not signed the United Nations (UN) convention on Refugees.

"The problem for our country is that many refugees from the Rohingya are managed by UNHCR, the UN commission for handling refugees. Indonesia actually did not participate in signing the UN convention on the refugees. However, for the sake of humanity, Indonesia continues to help," Mahfud said, Monday, December 4.

Mahfud said that Rohingya refugees who entered Indonesia are currently around 1,447 people. This figure will continue to grow considering that the wave of refugees did not stop. Meanwhile, neighboring countries, such as Malaysia and Australia, can no longer accept Rohingya refugees.

"Indonesia is stepping in. However, it keeps getting overwhelmed, the Acehnese have refused, 'here we also have a need for land and food'. Sent to Riau is also full, then to Medan it is full," he said.