Rohingya Refugees In Aceh Reach 1,684 People

Rohingya ethnic immigrants dried clothes in the area of Balai Meseuraya Aceh (BMA), Banda Aceh, Aceh, Monday (11/12/2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Khalis Surry)

BANDA ACEH - The Aceh Provincial Government said that the number of Rohingya refugees to date in Indonesia's westernmost province is 1,684 people, spread over eight shelter points.

"To date, there are approximately 1,684 refugees in Aceh, they are spread across eight points," said Acting Governor of Aceh Achmad Marzuki in Banda Aceh as reported by ANTARA, Monday, December 11.

Thousands of Rohingya refugees are scattered in several regencies/cities such as Sabang City, Banda Aceh City, Pidie Regency, and Lhokseumawe City.

He explained that there is an obligation for local governments that have been regulated in Presidential Decree No. 125/2016, that district/city governments must prepare shelter locations for refugee refugees.

Of course then, he continued, will be assisted by international institutions such as UNHCR, IOM, to meet other needs.

"There are obligations that must be carried out, such as sanitation, MCK problems, health, houses of worship and others," he said.

For handling in refugee camps, said Achmad Marzuki, of course, the most important thing is to provide humanitarian assistance. Surely the people of Aceh agreed to be given humanitarian assistance.

However, he continued, what must be regulated by the government is how long the refugees can be transferred to a more appropriate place, because they also need access to health, access to cleanliness, and others.

"So for the community itself, so far if (Rohingya) is already at sea, it is accepted. However, after on land we (the government) really have to think about the place," he said.