KRI Parang-647 Belonging To The Indonesian Navy Withdraws Rohingya Refugee Ship In Aceh Waters

Boat carrying Rohingya refugees in the waters of Aceh, in Bireuen, Aceh, Sunday, December 26 (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Navy, through its elements, KRI Parang-647, withdrew the Rohingya ethnic refugee ship carrying more than 100 people from the point found at 53 NM Bireuen, Aceh waters to Kruengkeukuh Port, Lhokseumawe City, Thursday.

The location of this port was chosen considering the need for anchorage facilities, sterilization of locations for health checks and enforcement of procedures so that there are no crowds that can interfere with the health check process and are closer to the quarantine area.

The Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Yudo Margono has ordered his elements and soldiers to carry out the withdrawal after there is a decision from the government on humanitarian grounds.

Head of the Naval Information Service (Kadispenal) First Admiral TNI Julius Widjojono in a press release, said the withdrawal had been carried out since 06.00 WIB in the morning after conditions were bright and safe for the process of tying and pulling ships in the middle of the high seas.

"It is estimated that it will arrive at Kruengkeukuh Port, Lhokseumawe at around 18.30 WIB," said Julius as quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 30.

The Indonesian government in the name of humanity has decided to accommodate Rohingya refugees who are currently floating on a boat in the ocean near Bireuen Regency, Aceh.

"This decision was made after considering the emergency conditions experienced by the refugees on the ship," said Deputy for Coordination of Security and Public Order at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Inspector General Pol Armed Wijaya in a written statement, in Jakarta, Wednesday.

From the observations made, the ship's passengers are dominated by women and children.

"The exact number of refugees will only be known after further data collection. The refugee ship is currently about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Bireuen and will be towed ashore," Armed said.

The head of the Central Refugee Handling Task Force (PPLN), said the government would immediately coordinate and handle refugees in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016.

Given the pandemic situation, Armed said, all refugees will undergo health screening for further data collection and implementation of health protocols for refugees.

"The Task Force for Handling Refugees from Overseas Kemenko Polhukam will coordinate with the Regional Government, TNI, Polri, and other relevant stakeholders so that refugees can receive shelter, logistics and access to health," he said.