Member of the House of Representatives (DPD) RI from Aceh, H. Sudirman, familiarly known as Haji Umaasked the central government to intervene and synergize with the Aceh government for the policy of handling Rohingya refugees in Aceh.
This was conveyed by Haji Uma, Monday, November 20, 2023, related to the landing of Rohingya refugees on several Aceh coasts on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
“Humanitarian protection must be a priority, especially because there are women and toddlers. However, the local government and the people of Aceh are also in a dilemma due to limited capabilities and consideration of previous experience precedents. Therefore, the central government must intervene to handle this problem,” said Haji Uma.
Haji Uma added that he had coordinated with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and urged that there be follow-up and central government support for the handling of Rohingya immigrants who landed back in Aceh.
“We have communicated with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and requested that there be immediate follow-up steps on this issue,” he concluded.
According to Haji Uma, related to the Rohingya handling policy itself regionally at the Asean level continues to be discussed involving the Governments of Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and UNHCR. However, there is no concrete solution yet.
On the other hand, waves of refugees continue to arrive, especially in Aceh, so this is a burden for the local government in Aceh.
And on the other hand, Haji Uma can also understand the attitude of the Acehnese people who began to reject Rohingya immigrants, one of which was motivated by previous experiences.
“We understand the attitude of the people of Aceh who began to refuse because of previous experiences. but the concern for the humanity of the people of Aceh is extraordinary and should be appreciated. Because even though they refuse, they still provide assistance and it should be noted that so far only Aceh in Indonesia has received Rohingya immigrants,” said Haji Uma.
According to Haji Uma, the results of his coordination with NGOs and related parties in Aceh obtained information on the number of Rohingya immigrants in Aceh reaching 1,233 people, this figure includes 490 people who landed in Bireuen and Pidie on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
The series of Rohingya immigrants landing in recent years, especially in Aceh, has become a problem for the local government in Aceh.
Therefore, in addition to diplomatic efforts between related countries in Asean and UNHCR, the central government must also intervene to help the Aceh government with short-term handling.
