31-10-2024 (EAST ACEH) Indonesian authorities have discovered the bodies of six Rohingya refugees on a beach in East Aceh, alongside 93 survivors who made a desperate swim to shore in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Local health officials confirmed the deaths but noted that burial arrangements were pending due to international protocols regarding foreign nationals. “We must follow specific procedures before proceeding with burial arrangements,” stated Munawir, Acting Head of the East Aceh District Health Service.

The tragic discovery occurred at Meunasah Hasan Village when the group of refugees arrived at approximately 4:00 am local time. According to Syamsul Bahri, head of the district’s Political, Government and Security Division, the survivors were forced to swim ashore after disembarking from their vessel.

Officials are currently coordinating with multiple agencies, including immigration authorities and international refugee organisations, to manage the situation. The local police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, though preliminary reports suggest the victims perished at sea before reaching Indonesian waters.

“We are awaiting guidance from UNHCR regarding the next steps for these refugees,” Bahri explained, referring to the United Nations refugee agency that handles cross-border displacement cases.