Rohingya refugees not welcome in Indonesia

A wooden boat carrying Rohingya refugees was denied entry into western Indonesia by local communities, despite pleas from the desperate men onboard. Over 800 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Indonesia's Aceh province in the past week. While sympathies exist among Acehnese locals, concerns over resources, conflicts, and smuggling networks have caused tensions. The refugees who were eventually allowed to land still face an uncertain future in Aceh, as locals may force them back to sea. Indonesia, not being a signatory of the UN Refugee Convention, is not compelled to accept Rohingya refugees.