Aceh Deputy Governor: Rohingya's Presence Is Disturbing, We Can't Allow It

Archives - Rohingya refugees when stranded in the waters of Aceh Besar, Sunday (8/1/2023) (ANTARA/Rahmat Fajri)

BANDA ACEH - Deputy Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah said that Rohingya's presence on land was troubling, the government would take a stand regarding the whereabouts of the refugees.

"Humanely, okay, we have rules, I received reports from a number of regions. Their presence actually disturbs us, maybe we can't let this happen," said Deputy Governor who is familiarly called Dek Fadh, in Aceh Besar, Tuesday, February 25, as reported by ANTARA.

He made this statement answering reporters' questions regarding the suggestion of Aceh Immigration to find a special island for the placement of Rohingya refugees, on the sidelines of a review of the Bulog Aceh warehouse, in Aceh Besar.

Previously, in a hearing (RDP) of Commission XIII DPR RI, the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration Aceh, Novianto Sulastono suggested that a special island in Indonesia be sought for Rohingya refugee shelters.

There are currently 576 Rohingya refugees in Aceh, spread over four shelter camps, namely the former Lhokseumawe City Immigration office 93 people, East Aceh Regency 360 people, in Kule Village, Pidie Regency 59 people, and Mina Raya, Pidie 64 people.

It was also conveyed that the people of Aceh have recently felt uneasy because some of the refugees were not in accordance with Islamic law, causing public concern.

Some of the problems of Rohingya refugees that were inventoried were abuse among refugees, fleeing suspected of escaping to Malaysia, residents' rejection, social jealousy and so on.

Regarding this, said Dek Fadh, his party will review the presence of the Rohingya refugees, whether it provides a heavy burden for Aceh or what.

He emphasized that humanely there is no problem, but the government has regulations regarding this matter. Moreover, his party has received many reports from the public who are worried about their existence.

Even though he has only served for 13 days, he continued, his party has also received many reports, therefore a certain attitude will be taken.

"We have only been in office for 13 days. We have received the report, but we will take steps later. If it is disturbed by the people of Aceh, maybe we will take a stand later," said Fadhlullah.