We are currently finding a way to find another location for the refugees, given that their number has exceeded the capacity of the existing shelters.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is currently looking for a new site to accommodate the increasing number of Rohingya people taking refuge in Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, has said.

"We are currently finding a way to find another location for the refugees, given that their number has exceeded the capacity of the existing shelters," he informed after a meeting on the Rohingya refugee issue at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said he has asked Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian to deliberate on the refugees' relocation with the regional leadership coordination forums of Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau provinces.

During the meeting, Mahfud informed that several parties have proposed locations that can be used as temporary shelters for the refugees. However, the government has yet to decide on a location, he added.

He further affirmed that the government will soon select a new location for the refugees to prevent the current shelters from becoming overly crowded. The government's effort is based solely on humanitarian sentiment, he emphasized.

"In principle, we are applying humanitarian diplomacy to deal with the Rohingya refugees issue," he said.

Earlier on Monday (December 4, 2023), President Joko Widodo said that he had instructed Mahfud to deal with the issue of 139 Rohingya refugees reportedly being stranded in Sabang city, Aceh, on Saturday (December 2).

"Yes, I have ordered the top security minister to collaborate with regional governments and the UNHCR to deal with the issue," the President informed.

Meanwhile, the Aceh provincial government has been coordinating with the central government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to manage the refugees currently taking shelter in various parts of the province.

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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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