Indonesian Military Thwarts Smuggling of Rohingya Refugees to Malaysia

Mitra said that some of their relatives have managed to settle in Malaysia. Therefore, those who are still in the camp in Indonesia hope to go to Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, some of their family members, such as husband or sibling, have lived a decent life. So their intention to go to Malaysia persists,” said Mitra.

Also read: Rohingya Family of 5 to Resettle in US after 7 Years in Indonesias South Sulawesi

Mitra said that the UNHCR will submit the legal process to the police regarding the alleged crime of trafficking among the Rohingya refugees. However, the advocacy to bring the refugees to Malaysia legally will be continued.

“The process requires further efforts and takes a long time as this needs to be in line with the law and regulations in Malaysia for us to bring the Rohingya refugees into the country,” she said.

UNHCR is continuing to equip the facilities in the refugee camp to prevent the Rohingya people from escaping. Besides, the staffers remind them of the dangers of using third-party services to go to Malaysia.

(Writer: Masriadi | Editor: Abba Gabrillin)

Sources: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2020/12/14/06143651/tni-kembali-gagalkan-penyelundupan-20-warga-rohingya.

https://regional.kompas.com/read/2020/12/10/19530131/alasan-warga-rohingya-di-aceh-berusaha-kabur-ke-malaysia?page=all#page2.