135 Rohingya Immigrants Staying Temporarily at Balai Meuseraya Aceh.

As of today, Tuesday (12/12/2023), 135 ethnic Rohingya have occupied Balai Meuseraya Aceh (BMA), Gampong Kota Baru, Kuta Alam District, Banda Aceh City.

The Aceh government is said to be still discussing temporary accommodation locations for refugees fleeing Bangladesh.

"While they are still at the BMA, they are still waiting for the final decision on the place," said Protection Associate United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Faisal Rahman to several media crew.

Faisal said that the government was still narrowing down the temporary shelter location for the refugees. He hopes that the government will immediately determine the location for the transfer of Rohingya.

"The provincial government continues to coordinate with local governments regarding potential places that can be used as temporary shelters. Hopefully there will be a decision soon," explained Faisal.

He admitted that UNHCR was still continuing to assist the needs of refugees who were housed in the basement of the BMA building. "We will continue to help to fulfill needs," he said.

Meanwhile, the Aceh government is said to be planning to move all Rohingya refugees to temporary shelters in Aceh Tamiang and Gayo Lues. The relocation option to the two areas is said to be being discussed further.

Rohingya refugees are currently being housed temporarily in three locations in Pidie, one location in Sabang, and the former Lhokseumawe Immigration office building. Meanwhile, the last wave of Rohingya, numbering 135 people, is currently still housed at Balai Meuseraya Aceh (BMA) in Banda Aceh.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Aceh, Acmad Marzuki, said that the number of Rohingya already in Aceh was 1,684 people. Achmad Marzuki admitted that he was still looking for a solution to handle the Rohingya in Tanah Rencong.

He said that currently there is no special place in Aceh to accommodate thousands of Rohingya refugees. The Aceh government is said to be holding a meeting with the mayor and regent to find a solution.

"We have also received several instructions from the central government, of course there is a central government policy on this matter. Basically we always put humanity first, but don't let it become a problem," said Marzuki to journalists, Monday, 11/12/2023.

Marzuki said, according to the rules stipulated in Presidential Decree Number 125 of 2016, regional and city district governments must prepare shelters for refugees. Providing the location is said to be an obligation.

"Then we will be assisted by international institutions for other activities. There are obligations that must be carried out, for example sanitation, toilet issues, health, places of worship and so on," said Marzuki.