However, the situation has been complicated by the fact that 173 of the original 230 Rohingya migrants have fled the temporary shelters. Ten others were relocated to Makassar, South Sulawesi, and some were moved to a shelter in Pidie District. These numbers highlight the challenges local authorities face in managing the influx of refugees and providing adequate support.

Syamsul emphasized that the Rohingya migrants are under the care of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and are receiving assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for their basic needs, including food. Despite this, the temporary shelters in which the migrants are currently housed are not ideal, as they are located in open fields, and the authorities are calling for more appropriate accommodation.

The East Aceh government has expressed concern over the current living conditions of the migrants, with local officials hoping for a more permanent and suitable relocation. “We hope the migrants can be moved to more appropriate shelters as the current temporary accommodations are not ideal,” said Syamsul. He added that the local government and international organizations are working together to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of the refugees.

The recent surge of Rohingya migrants in Aceh is part of a larger pattern of migration, as many Rohingya refugees continue to flee persecution in Myanmar. The situation in Aceh has drawn attention to the ongoing refugee crisis in Southeast Asia, with local authorities, the Indonesian government, and international bodies continuing to explore ways to manage the complex humanitarian challenges posed by such migrations. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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