Jakarta, InfoPublik—Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi ensured that the central and regional governments would fulfil all the basic needs of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

The government will also pay attention to the health facilities for the refugees to avoid them from contracting the corona virus.

"The main focus now is meeting their basic needs, providing temporary shelter, and providing health services while ensuring the implementation of health protocols to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus among the Rohingya ethnic migrants," Retno said in her written statement, Sunday (6/28/2020).

Retno asserted that Foreign Affairs Ministry will investigate the alleged migrant smuggling and human trafficking element in the incident as it has been reported 15 people were reported dead while they were afloat.

"Human smuggling and human trafficking crimes must be stopped and their handling requires regional and international cooperation," she said.

Retno added, if we fail to conduct investigation, then more cases of Rohingya refugees migration by water would occur. Therefore, all problems related to Rohingya refugees must be resolved immediately.

"For Indonesia, efforts to create conducive conditions in Rakhine State are important and must continue to be pursued so that the Rohingya can return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to their homes in Rakhine State," she said.

Rohingya refugees who were stranded in North Aceh, are now in sheltered in the former Lhokseumawe Immigration office in Blang Mangat subdistrict of North Aceh Regency. They also had a rapid test and the results were negative.

In addition, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also appreciated the Indonesian Government for granting emergency landing licenses to Rohingya refugees in North Aceh.

Previously, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stressed, the rescue was based on a sense of humanity.

The Indonesian government has decided to save 99 Rohingya refugees who entered the waters of North Aceh in a concerning conditions which endanger their lives.

"This decision is based on the humanitarian principles," Retno said.

In addition, Retno stressed that the central government and regional governments will work together with the UNHCR and International Organization for Migration (IOM) to make further efforts in handling the 99 Rohingya refugees.

"The people of North Aceh and the Indonesian Civil Society organization are also active in providing humanitarian assistance," she said.

Based on UNHCR data, the number of refugees reached 99 people, consisting of 48 women, 17 men, and 34 children. The refugees were swayed in the waters of the Malacca Strait. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (Translator: Penni Patmawati Rusman)