Jokowi Suspects Involvement In The Trafficking Network Of People Behind The Flow Of Rohingya Refugees

President Jokowi/DOK PHOTO via Youtube of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Jokowi suspects that there is involvement in the trafficking crime network (TPPO) 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 evacuation flow," Jokowi said as quoted from a statement via the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Friday, December 8.

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.

Previously reported, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD asked the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) to patrol to prevent the arrival of Rohingya refugees.

"We will find a way to find the first way if possible or not. Bakamla will continue to coordinate to patrol," Mahfud said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, December 6.

Mahfud explained that Bakamla would coordinate with the Indonesian Navy (AL) in patrols at several points.

According to Mahfud, so far his party has focused on preventing refugees from entering and transferring Rohingya residents who have fled to other places.

Several efforts, continued Mahfud, have been carried out from the start of coordinating with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to looking for new refugee camps.

Mahfud has also ordered the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian to coordinate with the Aceh, North Sumatra and Riau regions to discuss alternative Rohingya refugee camps.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs confirmed that in the near future he would place Rohingya refugees in a new location in order to avoid the accumulation of residents.