Over 200 Rohingya arrive in Indonesia’s Aceh province

More than 200 Rohingya refugees arrived in Indonesia's Aceh province over the weekend, with authorities confirming two boats landed on January 5 in the West Peureulak area of Sumatra.

More than 200 Rohingya refugees landed in Indonesia's Aceh province over the weekend, marking an increase in sea arrivals of the stateless population. Langsa City Head of Intelligence and Immigration, Muhammad Haekal, confirmed that two boats carrying approximately 264 Rohingya arrived on the evening of January 5. "Last night, around 11 pm local time, we received information from the foreigners monitoring team that two boats landed with approximately 264 ethnic Rohingya on board," Haekal said. "At the moment we're still gathering data to make sure the numbers are accurate."

The boats landed on Alue Bue Beach in the West Peureulak area of East Aceh on Sumatra island, where the group was gathered on the shore, some huddled around fires to keep warm. "Both boats landed on the Alue Bue Beach in West Peureulak. At 6am this morning, the immigration officers came here to monitor and record the arrivals," Haekal added.

The Rohingya, originally from Myanmar and the world’s largest stateless population, have long fled poor conditions in refugee camps in search of better opportunities in Southeast Asia. They often make the perilous journey to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, particularly between October and April, when the seas are calmer. As the Rohingya continue to arrive by sea, the Indonesian government faces increasing pressure to manage the growing number of refugees seeking refuge.

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