Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government must take an active role in resolving the conflict targeting the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar, Medan city`s Chief of Ulema Council (MUI), Prof Dr HM Hatta, said here on Thursday.

"Indonesia, as the largest Muslim community in the world, needs to take an active role to stop the violence against the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group in Myanmar," Hatta said.

He suggested Indonesia use its diplomatic influence in international organizations such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to urge those responsible for violence directed at Rohingya Muslims be brought before the international court.

For some time, Rohingya Muslims have faced discrimination and the United Nations has classified them as one of the most persecuted ethnic communities in the world.

However, the Myanmar government considers Rohingya Muslims to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and other communities in Myanmar regard them as enemies.

A riot occurred last month in Rakhine state, Myanmar, between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. Both groups claimed they were attacked. About 80 casualties have been reported and thousands of people have lost their homes, and many Rohingya Muslims have been arrested.

(A051/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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