PEREULAK, Indonesia (AP) — A wooden boat carrying over 100 Rohingya Muslims reached the shores of Indonesia on Wednesday, as the northern province of Aceh continues to receive an increasing influx of refugees escaping persecution and political turmoil in Myanmar. The Rohingya community, which predominantly practices Islam, has been facing systematic discrimination and violence, including a brutal military crackdown in 2017 that resulted in many fleeing to neighboring countries.
The local police chief, Nova Suryandaru, reported that the boat's engine had failed, causing it to run aground near Pereulak village in the East Aceh district. Authorities are currently gathering information about the refugees on board, which consisted mostly of women and children. One refugee revealed that the vessel had departed from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, intending to reach Malaysia. However, there are suspicions that the boat was intentionally damaged by human traffickers to prevent the refugees from being sent back to sea.
In response to the growing crisis, Suryandaru asserted that the government would take “firm action” against those involved in human trafficking. Over the past year, more than 600 Rohingya refugees have landed in East Aceh. Earlier this month, more than 260 refugees arrived in two separate boats, many appearing weak and hungry.
Indonesia has called on the international community for assistance in addressing this humanitarian crisis. The Rohingya population is primarily located in refugee camps in Bangladesh, with an estimated 1 million individuals—including approximately 740,000 who fled the aforementioned military campaign—seeking safety away from Myanmar. The Rohingya face significant challenges, including statelessness, as they are largely denied citizenship and basic human rights in Myanmar.
This recent arrival of Rohingya refugees highlights the ongoing struggles faced by this marginalized community as they continue to flee violent persecution and search for a safer future. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations are working to provide support for these refugees while grappling with the broader implications of human trafficking and regional displacement.
