Why do people in Aceh reject the arrival of Rohingya refugees?

Migration Indonesia Rohingya

Protesters burn tires during a protest rejecting Rohingya refugees in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. Students in Indonesia's Aceh province rallied on Wednesday demanding the government drive away Rohingya refugees arriving by boat in growing numbers as police named more suspects of human trafficking. Source: AP / Reza Saifullah/AP/AAP Photos

Waves of Rohingya refugees entered Aceh and North Sumatra and attracted resistance from residents. Why?


Waves of Rohingya refugees entered Aceh and North Sumatra and attracted resistance from the locals.

They suspected these arrivals was managed by human smugglers or as part of trafficking practices.

The island of Sabang is the outermost island in Aceh, as well as the northernmost island in Indonesia, which is the destination of the wave of refugees by sea.

As Rohingya refugees arrived in waves and large numbers during December last year, people suspected there was an attempt to mobilise them.

One of the Sabang's community figures, Wak Dolah, spoke in the following interview regarding the rejection.


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