Human trafficking likely behind increased Rohingya arrivals: Indonesian president

ANKARA

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday said that the growing number of Rohingya arriving in his country is probably due to human trafficking.

“More and more Rohingya refugees from Myanmar are entering Indonesia, especially through the coast of Aceh Province," he said in a video statement, posted on X.

“The government continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees and coordinates with international institutions handling refugees,” he said, adding that the government is investigating the existence of human trafficking behind this issue.

Over 1,200 Rohingya people entered Aceh province during the last month, Jakarta Post reported while citing a report by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).

Rohingya people mostly embark on dangerous journeys between November and April via boats to reach Thailand, Bangladesh, or further to Indonesia and Malaysia when the seas are calmer.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid