Indonesian fishermen were engaged in a rescue operation on Wednesday after a boat carrying Rohingya capsized in waters off the province of Aceh, according to Miftach Tjut Adek, chief of the fishing community in the region.
The United Nations' refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates that around 2,000 Rohingya have arrived in Indonesia since last October, joining the persecuted religious minority from Myanmar who have sought refuge in Southeast Asia, particularly in Aceh.
Following the capsizing of their boat in high tides near the city of Meulaboh in West Aceh, more than 50 Rohingya were seen standing on a hull, Adek reported. Despite inclement weather conditions, fishermen rushed to their aid, risking their own safety to rescue them from the sinking vessel.
The exact number of Rohingya in distress and their intended destination remain unclear at this time.
The UNHCR expressed deep concern about the situation in Meulaboh and emphasized the need for urgent action to save lives. While unable to confirm the total number of Rohingya or whether there were any casualties, the agency stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities and communities to address the emergency.
The regional government of West Aceh has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.
Rohingya have long faced persecution in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and subjected to abuse. Fleeing these conditions, many Rohingya embark on perilous journeys by sea, often between November and April, seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
In January, the UNHCR reported that at least 569 Rohingya died or went missing in 2023 while attempting to escape from Myanmar or Bangladesh, marking the highest toll since 2014.
