Inp.polri.go.id - Banda Aceh. Banda Aceh Sub-regional Police criticized the recent relocation of 152 Rohingya refugees from South Aceh to Banda Aceh, saying that it occurred without prior coordination with local authorities or relevant stakeholders in the city.

“We and the Banda Aceh Secretary felt that there was no compromise or collaboration, no agreement. Why were they suddenly brought to Banda Aceh?” said Banda Aceh Police Operations Chief Senior Inspector Yusuf Hariadi on Thursday (7/11/2024).

The refugees were transported in four community trucks and a patrol vehicle from Tapak Tuan, South Aceh, late Wednesday night and arrived at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights office in Banda Aceh on Thursday morning. 

They remain in the trucks without a confirmed temporary shelter, according to antaranews.com.

Chief Yusuf noted that the police, the local administration, the immigration office, and the local military officials are discussing next steps since local residents have also expressed concerns over the lack of communication on this relocation.

“For now, the refugees will remain in the trucks to simplify coordination efforts,” he added. 

The 152 refugees were initially rescued on 24 October 2024 after being stranded at sea and were temporarily sheltered in South Aceh before being moved.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)