12-12-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia is witnessing a surge in hostility and rejection towards the Rohingya, a persecuted ethnic minority from Myanmar. Local communities in the country are growing weary of the increasing number of boats carrying Rohingya refugees to their shores. According to data from the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR), over 1,200 Rohingya have arrived in Indonesia since November, with an additional 300 arriving just last weekend.
The province of Aceh, known for its sympathetic stance towards Rohingya refugees, has been a destination for men, women, and children fleeing persecution for years. However, some residents, like 27-year-old Ella Saptia from Pidie, feel overwhelmed by the situation. Saptia argues that with a significant number of poor people already struggling in the area, it is challenging to extend care and support to thousands of Rohingya who bring their own set of problems. She claims that some Rohingya engage in illicit activities such as extramarital affairs and drug use, which negatively impact the community.
Despite the concerns raised by residents, the spokesperson for the Aceh government has yet to provide a comment on the matter.
In 2023, the hostility towards Rohingya refugees has intensified, leading to threats of turning their boats back. Last week, protesters on Sabang Island in Aceh dismantled temporary shelters set up for Rohingya refugees and threatened to push their boat back into the sea, as shown in local television footage. Mr Babar Baloch, an Asia spokesperson for the UNHCR, expressed alarm over these reports, emphasizing that such actions could endanger the lives of those aboard.
Historically, the arrival of Rohingya refugees tends to peak between November and April when the seas are calmer. During this period, Rohingya individuals embark on perilous boat journeys to neighboring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. However, the growing number of Rohingya in Aceh has raised concerns among locals. Desi Silvana, a 30-year-old resident, expressed her distress, stating that hundreds, even thousands, of Rohingya have arrived this year alone.
The recent backlash against Rohingya refugees has spread to social media platforms as well. Users on the formerly known social platform X, previously Twitter, voiced their discontent. One user, trianiwiji9, announced their refusal to pay taxes if they were used for the Rohingya, while another referred to the Rohingya as “parasites.”
GK MAU BAYAR PAJAK, KLO DUITNYA BUAT ROHINGYA
— . (@trianiwiji9) December 11, 2023
Indonesian President Joko Widodo addressed the issue on December 8, attributing the surge in arrivals to human trafficking. He pledged to collaborate with international organizations to provide temporary shelter for the refugees.
For years, the Rohingya have fled Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist nation where they face discrimination, lack of citizenship, and widespread abuse, as they are often seen as outsiders from South Asia.
