Rohingyas Crisis is a Tragedy of Humanity: Setara Institute

InfoPublik – Setara Institute considers Rohingyas crisis as a tragedy of humanity which ethically and politically demands humanity intervention from the world.

Chairman of Setara Institute Hendardi asserted, ASEAN countries cannot hide behind the principle of respecting sovereignty over this tragedy. "The international alienation of Rohingyas is allegedly regional economic politics motivated." he said in his written statement in Jakarta, Saturday (9/2).

However, he said, Rohingya crisis is more likely driven by Myanmar’s internal political dynamics. Thus, the potential for security disturbances to the region will not spread like ISIS ideological groups.

The occurring domestic and regional security disturbances are the increasing number of asylum seeker to Indonesia and other countries. "Asylum seekers are problems of human security and it is the world’s obligation to seek the best resolution for Rohingya," he said.

He suggested the Indonesian government to act and politically anticipate parties that capitalize this issue for domestic political interests.

Religious populism will gain a platform in such humanitarian crisis, let alone the actors involved in the crisis are from different religion and ethnicity.

"The dual discrimination and genocide allegation on the basis of religion and ethnicity experienced by Rohingyas are very likely to gather public solidarity and support. If the government does not take political measures, there is a high potential for social tensions in the country is also quite high," he said.

Hendardi suspects, in addition to humanitarian intervention, Myanmar's advocacy is also very likely to be questioned within the framework of universal crime. That is because genocide is one international crime that includes the absolute competence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) with international jurisdiction. "In the name of humanity, the government of Indonesia should be the pioneer in the management of Rohingya crisis," he explained. (Translator: Wilda Stiana)