Labuhanhaji Community Rejects Presence of Rohingya Ethnic Group THE REPORTER | Residents in East and West Labuhanhaji reject the presence of Rohingya ethnic groups who have taken refuge in their area.
Around 150 Rohingya refugees are currently stuck in the middle of the sea, not allowed to land on the coast of East Labuhanhaji, which is about 4 miles from their boat.
Nanda Taher, a former member of the South Aceh DPRK and a local resident, emphasized this rejection.
“Since their arrival, the community here has continued to refuse to allow them to evacuate to land,” Nanda told reporters, Sunday (10/20/2024).
Despite rejecting their presence, Nanda added that residents continue to provide basic necessities such as food and drink to the refugees.
“We want to help as much as possible without letting them go ashore,” he explained.
The UNHCR health team has conducted health checks on the ship, with a policy of not bringing sick refugees ashore.
“If anyone is sick, they will be treated on the ship,” said Nanda.
The community hopes that the hundreds of Rohingya refugees can be moved to other refugee camps, outside South Aceh, so as not to increase tensions in their area.
This rejection shows the local community’s concerns about the social impacts that may arise from the presence of refugees.[AR]
editor: Deddy Ridwan