Rohingya Refugees Rescued: Over 100 Saved from Sinking Boat in Indonesia

More than 100 Rohingya refugees have been rescued after their boat sank off the coast of Indonesia. The United Nations refugee agency reported that 116 refugees, including women and children, were found on a beach in East Aceh.

The Rohingya people face severe persecution in Myanmar. Many risk dangerous sea journeys to reach Malaysia or Indonesia. The wooden boat carrying the refugees was found nearly submerged near Sumatra island.

Local fisherman Saifudin Taher observed the boat entering the waters Saturday morning. It sank a few hours later. All passengers survived, but one was ill and received immediate medical attention. The refugees were close to shore and could walk to safety.

Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia often follow a cycle, decreasing during stormy months and increasing when seas calm. Last month, 152 Rohingya refugees were brought ashore after being stranded for days off South Aceh.

Indonesia is not bound by the U.N. refugee convention and urges neighboring countries to support Rohingya resettlement. Many Acehnese sympathize with the Rohingya due to their own history of conflict, while some local residents express concerns about resource use and conflicts.

In December 2023, tensions escalated when students forced the relocation of over 100 Rohingya refugees from a shelter in Aceh.