Mahfud MD, The Coordinating Ministry for Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs, has stated that Indonesia may close its doors to Rohingya refugees. This could be implemented if the arrival of asylum seekers, commonly known as ‘boat people,’ creates issues in society, particularly for the residents of Aceh.
The government is currently coordinating with the leaders of three regions, namely Aceh, Riau, and North Sumatra (Sumut), to determine the most suitable location as a temporary shelter.
This is due to the increasing number of Rohingya refugees since 2015, causing the existing shelters to be insufficient.
“We will accommodate them temporarily, and eventually, we will close it entirely because it becomes a burden,” said Mahfud on December 20, 2023.
Mahfud explained that the influx of Rohingya refugees in the northern regions of Sumatra has sparked controversy and social jealousy among the local residents. He mentioned that the majority of the local population currently rejects the presence of Rohingya refugees.
“They feel jealous, so they have started to reject the Rohingyas,” Mahfud said.
Mahfud further clarified that Indonesia has not ratified the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, so the government does not have an obligation to provide asylum for refugees.
“Other countries signed [the convention] but threw them [the refugees] to Indonesia continuously. Indonesia can expel them, but we help,” Mahfud stated.
On November 21, a total of 220 Rohingya refugees landed on Sabang Island, consisting of 72 men, 92 women, and 56 children.
In addition to the 220 refugees on Sabang Island, another 249 Rohingya immigrants landed on the coast of Aceh. They landed in the Lapang Barat fishing shelter area in Gandapura District, Bireuen Regency.
These immigrants were initially rejected by the Jangka Bireuen community, then landed in North Aceh. However, they faced rejection from the residents of North Aceh, and the boat carrying refugees was pushed back into the sea. Eventually, the Rohingya immigrants landed in the Lapang Barat area of Bireuen.
