Jakarta - The Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Aceh Region stated that the handling of Rohingya ethnic refugees in a number of places in the westernmost province of Indonesia must still pay attention to national interests.
"Regarding humanity, yes, we will help. However, the handling of Rohingya ethnic refugees must still pay attention to national interests," Head of the Aceh Province Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regional Office, Meurah Budiman, said through an official statement as reported by ANTARA, after receiving a visit from the Head of the Indonesian Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Banda Aceh, Thursday (4/4/2024).
The meeting discussed the handling of Rohingya ethnic refugees who are currently accommodated in a number of areas in Aceh Province.
Meurah said, in accordance with international law, the Indonesian government actually has no obligation to accommodate the Rohingya refugees.
"However, in accordance with the Indonesian constitution which embraces humanity, the Rohingya refugees are temporarily accommodated," said Meurah.
According to him, the shelter of refugees from abroad is regulated in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 125 of 2016 concerning the handling of refugees from abroad.
The presidential regulation explicitly requires coordination with local governments in bringing and placing foreign refugees from the place where they were found to the shelter.
Meurah said that the number of Rohingya refugees coming to Indonesia, especially Aceh Province, continues to grow.
Local communities also reject the presence of Rohingya refugees for social and economic reasons.
"Therefore, it is necessary to find a permanent solution to the Rohingya refugee problem by involving relevant stakeholders," said Meurah. (InfoPublik/photo: Antara)