Aceh a transit for Rohingya refugees to Malaysia?
29 Dec 2022 02:25pm
Rohingya refugees stranded in Ujong Pie village given immediate treatment. - AFP pic
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He said the investigation must be done to ensure Tanah Rencong in Indonesia would not be a transit spot for refugees or 'boat people'.
Iskandar said the wave of Rohingya refugees in Aceh were on the rise.
"When taking into account the humanitarian aspect, the government needs to give shelter to them however, parties such as the home ministry should investigate the cause of Rohingya refugees stranded in Aceh.
"The question now is whether they truly want to seek political asylum or make Aceh a transit to enter Malaysia?
"Previously there were many cases of Rohingya refugees stranded in Aceh after escaping and were placed in a shelter centre," Iskandar said.
However, he said further said the refugees went missing from the shelters.
"Where did they disappear to? This matter must be thoroughly investigated.
"They could have an agent in Aceh and they brought through North Sumatera before being sent to Malaysia," Iskandar said.
Iskandar said local residents near the shelter were uneasy with Rohingya refugees as the locals claimed their customs and cluture were not respected.
On Friday, 57 Rohingya refugees arrived on a wooden boat at the Ladong area, Aceh Besar.
