Indonesia
Out of options, Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat despite soaring death toll
Across a treacherous stretch of water, the Rohingya came by the thousands, then died by the hundreds. And though they know the dangers of fleeing by boat, many among this persecuted people say they will not stop — because the world has left them with no other choice.
Last year, nearly 4,500 Rohingya — two-thirds of them women and children — fled their homeland of Myanmar and the refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh by boat, the United Nations’ refugee agency reported. Of those, 569 died or went missing while crossing the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, the highest death toll since 2014.
The numbers mean one out of every eight Rohingya who attempted the crossing never made it, the UNHCR said last week.
Yet despite the risks, there are no signs the stream of Rohingya is ebbing. On Thursday, Indonesian officials said another boat carrying Rohingya refugees landed in the country’s northern province of Aceh.
Not a good time for Rohingya repatriation, UN Resident Coordinator says
Fishermen provided food and water to 131 Rohingya, mostly women and children, who had been on board, said Marzuki, the leader of the local tribal fishing community, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
Some passengers told officials they had been at sea since last month and their boat's engine had broken down, leaving them adrift, said Lt. Col. Andi Susanto, commander of the navy base in Lhokseumawe.
“Southeast Asian waters are one of the deadliest stretches in the world and a graveyard for many Rohingya who have lost their lives,” says Babar Baloch, UNHCR’s spokesman for Asia and the Pacific. “The rate of Rohingya who are dying at sea without being rescued — that’s really alarming and worrying.”
Inside the squalid refugee camps in Bangladesh, where more than 750,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims fled in 2017 following sweeping attacks by Myanmar’s military, the situation has grown increasingly desperate. Not even the threat of death at sea is enough to stop many from trying to traverse the region’s waters in a bid to reach Indonesia or Malaysia.
“We need to choose the risky journey by boat because the international community has failed their responsibility,” says Mohammed Ayub, who is saving up money for a spot on one of the rickety wooden fishing boats traffickers use to ferry passengers 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) from Bangladesh to Indonesia.
Global indifference toward the Rohingya crisis has left those languishing in the overcrowded camps with few alternatives to fleeing. Because Bangladesh bans the Rohingya from working, their survival is dependent upon food rations, which were slashed last year due to a drop in global donations.
Returning safely to Myanmar is virtually impossible for the Rohingya, because the military that attacked them overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government in 2021. And no country is offering the Rohingya any large-scale resettlement opportunities.
Meanwhile, a surge in killings, kidnappings and arson attacks by militant groups in the camps has left residents fearing for their lives. And so, starving, scared and out of options, they continue to board the boats.
Ayub has lived in a sweltering, cramped shelter for more than six years in a camp where security and sanitation are scarce, and hope even scarcer. There is no formal schooling for his children, no way for him to earn money, no prospects for returning to his homeland and no refuge for his family amid spiraling gang violence.
World must find an end to Rohingya crisis for their return to Myanmar: PM Hasina tells UK MPs
“Of course I understand how dangerous the boat journey by sea is,” Ayub says. “We could die during the journey by boat. But it depends on our fate. ... It’s better to choose the dangerous way even if it’s risky, because we are afraid to stay in the camps.”
Two hundred of the people who died or went missing at sea last year were aboard one boat that left Bangladesh in November. Eyewitnesses on a nearby boat told The Associated Press that the missing vessel, which was crowded with babies, children and mothers, broke down and was taking on water before it drifted off during a storm as its passengers screamed for help. It has not been seen since.
It was one of several distressed boats that the region’s coastal countries neglected to save, despite the UNHCR’s requests for those countries to launch search and rescue missions.
“When no action is taken, lives are lost,” says UNHCR’s Baloch. “If there is no hope restored in Rohingya lives either in Myanmar or in Bangladesh, there are no rescue attempts, (then) sadly we could see more desperate people dying in Southeast Asian seas under the watch of coastal authorities who could act to save lives.”
Six of Mohammed Taher’s family members were aboard the boat that vanished in November, including his 15-year-old brother, Mohammed Amin, and two of Taher’s nephews, aged 3 and 4. Their ultimate destination was Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country where many Rohingya seek relative safety.
Taher and his parents now struggle to sleep or eat, and spend their days agonizing over what became of their loved ones. Taher’s mother saw a fortune teller who said her relatives were still alive. Taher, meanwhile, dreamed that the boat made it to shore, where his relatives took refuge in a school and were able to bathe in warm water. But he remains unconvinced their journey ended so happily.
And so he has vowed to tell everyone to stay off the boats, no matter how unbearable life on land has become.
“I will never leave by boat on this difficult journey,” Taher says. “All the people who reached their destination are saying that it’s horrific traveling by boat.”
Yet such warnings are often futile. Ayub is now preparing to sell his daughter’s jewelry to help pay for his spot on a boat. While he is frightened by the stories of those who didn’t make it, he is motivated by the stories of those who did.
“Nobody would consider taking a risk by boat on a dangerous journey if they had better opportunities,” he says. “Fortunately, some people did reach their destination and got a better life. I am staying positive that Allah will save us.”
FM hopeful of Rohingya repatriation soon
Jokowi greets Hasina on reelection as PM
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In a greeting letter sent to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, the President wrote "Your appointment to this esteemed and consequential office exemplifies the profound respect and unwavering confidence bestowed upon you by the people of Bangladesh."
EC gifts us a good election: Home Minister
He mentioned that he has full confidence in Sheikh Hasina's illustrious career and vast experience, which shall undoubtedly furnish her with ample support and resources to steer Bangladesh towards a future brimming with prosperity.
"It is with great optimism that I express my hope for the elevation of bilateral relations and cooperation between our esteemed nations, as we embark on a new era of progress and prosperity."
Nicaraguan leaders greet PM Hasina on her re-election
Joko Widodo said that over the course of more than five decades, the two countries' bond has steadily flourished and now is the time for it to reach unprecedented heights.
"I am filled with utmost confidence that we shall discover means through which we can enhance our collaborative efforts in order to seize the unparalleled opportunities of our era."
Arafat appreciates Chinese support for Bangladesh’s development
FM Hasan holds bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Nepal, Botswana, Belarus, Qatar, Indonesia
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud had a series of meetings on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala, Uganda on January 19-20.
He had the meetings with Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Minister of Nepal, Lemogang Kwape, Foreign Minister of Botswana, and Sergei Aleinik, Foreign Minister of Belarus.
At NAM Summit Dhaka seeks support for Palestine, redoubling efforts for Rohingya repatriation
In a busy day in Kampala, the Foreign Minister had meetings with State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikh and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Pahala Nugraha Mansury.
His counterparts congratulated the new government in Bangladesh and, particularly, Dr. Hasan Mahmud for assuming his new role.
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The Foreign Minister discussed various issues of mutual interests including political, economic and strengthening people to people relations.
He is set to have a few more bilateral engagements today and Sunday.
Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled on 21-22 January 2024.
FM Hasan Mahmud to lead Bangladesh delegation at South Summit in Uganda
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda Muhammad Tareque among others are accompanying the Foreign Minister.
Students in Indonesia protest the growing numbers of Rohingya refugees in Aceh province
Students in Indonesia's Aceh province rallied on Wednesday (December 27, 2023), demanding the government drive away Rohingya refugees who have been arriving by sea in growing numbers. The protest came as police named more suspects in human trafficking of refugees.
Over 1,500 Rohingya — who fled violent attacks in Myanmar to subsequently leave overcrowded refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh in search of a better life elsewhere — have arrived in Aceh, on the tip of the island of Sumatra, since November. They have faced some hostility from fellow Muslims in Aceh.
About 200 students protested in front of the provincial parliament in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh, calling on lawmakers to turn away the Rohingyas, saying their presence would bring social and economic upheaval to the community.
"Get out Rohingya," the protesters chanted. Many criticized the government and the U.N. refugee agency for failing to manage the refugee arrivals. Some protesters burned tires on the street.
"We urged the parliament speaker to immediately take a firm action to remove all Rohingya refugees from Aceh," said Teuku Wariza, one of the protest organizers.
The protesters marched to a local community hall in Banda Aceh, where about 137 Rohingya are taking shelter. The demonstrators threw out clothes and household items belonging to the refugees, forcing authorities to relocate them to another shelter.
Also read: Hundreds of residents on Indonesian island protest the growing arrival of Rohingya refugees by sea
Footages obtained by The Associated Press shows a large group of refugees, mostly women and children, crying and screaming as a mob, wearing university green jackets, is seen breaking through a police cordon and forcibly putting the Rohingya on the back of two trucks.
The incident drew an outcry from human rights group and the UNHCR, which said the attack left the refugees shocked and traumatized.
"UNHCR reminds everyone that desperate refugee children, women and men seeking shelter in Indonesia are victims of persecution and conflict, and are survivors of deadly sea journeys," the agency said in a statement released late Wednesday.
The statement called on local authorities to urgently act to protect the refugees and humanitarian workers.
Indonesia had once tolerated the refugees while Thailand and Malaysia pushed them away. But the growing hostility of some Indonesians toward the Rohingya has put pressure on President Joko Widodo's government to take action.
Also read: US finds Rohingya situation a priority, pledges to increase number of resettled refugees from Bangladesh in 2024
Widodo earlier this month said the government suspected a surge in human trafficking for the increase in Rohingya arrivals.
Also Wednesday, police in Banda Aceh named two more suspected human smugglers from Bangladesh and Myanmar, following the Dec. 10 arrival of another boat with refugees. One of the suspects, the boat's captain, himself a refugee, was charged with trafficking.
"This is not an easy issue, this is an issue with enormous challenges," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters.
About 740,000 Rohingya were resettled in Bangladesh after fleeing their homes in Myanmar to escape a brutal counterinsurgency campaign carried out in 2017 by security forces. Accusations of mass rape, murder and the burning of entire villages are well documented, and international courts are considering whether Myanmar authorities committed genocide and other grave human rights abuses.
Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya have failed because of doubts their safety can be assured. The Rohingya are largely denied citizenship rights in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and face widespread social discrimination.
Also read: Holy See to Bangladesh urged to encourage Myanmar for sustainable Rohingyas repatriation
10 Most Affordable Destinations in Indonesia: Winter retreats on a budget
When stepping into Indonesia, every globetrotter finds it to be a treasure-trove of islands. A nation adorned with natural wonders, each island tells a tale of its own. Especially the historical attractions along with spectacular beaches hold surprises for winter wanderlusts. Unveiling the budget-friendly gems, this list meanders through Indonesia's winter retreats. These are the most affordable tourist spots in the Indonesian archipelago.
10 Best Budget-Friendly Indonesian Destinations to Visit in Winter
Gili Islands
A trio of small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, the Gili Islands are famed for their lush vegetation and world-class diving and snorkeling spots. The underwater world surrounding these islands is a mesmerizing sight, easily accessible from any point along the shoreline.
For those considering a journey from Dhaka to Lombok by air, the most economical per-head deal is USD 334 in parity with BDT 36,689.97, with the exchange rate at USD 1 = BDT 109.85.
Accommodation costs per person are generally IDR 146,755 or BDT 1,027.21 (IDR 1 = BDT 0.007), and a day's worth of meals can be budgeted at IDR 49,993 which is equivalent to BDT 349.93.
Read more: Best Asian Alternatives to the Maldives: Affordable Island Getaways
Ubud
Located in the uplands of Bali, Ubud offers a central hub of attractions. The Royal Palace, situated in the heart of town, is free for visitors, and just down the road lies the Sacred Monkey Forest, a popular destination. A bemo ride takes travelers to the famous Goa Gajah, an elephant cave in Bedulu village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for intricate carvings.
Accommodation costs in Ubud typically IDR 2,142,151 in proportion to BDT 14,993.94, with budget options such as Agung Trisna Bungalows and Inang Villa. The daily charge for food in Ubud is approximately IDR 189,959 equaling BDT 1329.61.
The most cost-effective airfare from Dhaka to Ngurah Rai Airport is USD 252 in parity with BDT 27,682.25.
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10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World
In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities.
The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries
Japan
Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian.
The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges.
Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.
Bangladesh, Indonesia keen to work together in energy, agriculture, health sectors in line with signed bilateral agreements
Bangladesh and Indonesia are keen to work jointly in energy, agriculture and health sectors in line with the signed bilateral agreements between the friendly countries.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed reporters after meeting between Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo.
The bilateral meeting between the Bangladesh President and his Indonesian counterpart was held on the sidelines of the 43rd summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 18th ‘East Asia summit’ at Kakatua Room of Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).
Noting that both the countries earlier signed three MoUs (memorandum of understanding) on energy and health sectors, it was acknowledged there is an ample opportunity to ensure joint work for the benefit of the two peoples.
IORA Secretary General pays courtesy call on President Shahabuddin in Jakarta
The Bangladesh President expressed his heartiest thanks to his Indonesian counterpart for inviting him as well as the excellent hospitality extended to the Bangladesh delegation during the visit.
Referring to the tremendous development in Bangladesh’s different socio-economic and health sectors, the Indonesian President highly appreciated the country’s development in health sector, specially in the ‘Community Clinic’ concept designed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that gained worldwide appreciation.
The Bangladesh President told his Indonesian counterpart to import international-standard pharmaceutical products, ceramic and readymade garments from Bangladesh, inviting the Indonesian investors to invest here as an investment-friendly atmosphere is prevailing in the country over the last decade.
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“An initiative is still going on to ensure a mutual decision to recognize the certificate of the physicians of the two countries for the betterment of the two countries,” Dr Momen quoted the President as saying during the bilateral talks.
Noting that Bangladesh is setting up as many as 51 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) all over the country as well as 39 Hi-Tech Parks and other specialized Economic Zones, the President said, “If Indonesia is interested, Bangladesh would be happy to designate an Indonesia-specific Economic Zone for them.”
As Bangladesh aspires to transform itself into a manufacturing hub being located at the junction of South Asia and South East Asia with a goal for becoming a trillion-dollar economy by the end of this decade, the President stressed on larger collaboration between the two countries’ private sectors to avail opportunities of investment.
President Shahabuddin joins ASEAN summit opening ceremony in Jakarta
President Shahabuddin hoped that direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Jakarta or Bali would be established soon, creating an opportunity to establish coastal shipping among sea ports of the two states.
On the Rohingya issues, the President sought all-out support of the Indonesian government and its people to end the crisis as saying, “Bangladesh has sheltered displaced Myanmar citizens due to humanitarian grounds.”
The Indonesian President said the Rohingya repatriation issue has been broadly discussed in the ASEAN meetings and also assured of providing necessary assistances in this regard.
President Shahabuddin sought further cooperation of the ASEAN chair and others concerned to ensure the membership of ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
Expressing satisfaction over the existing growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia, Shahabuddin said Bangladesh highly values its relations with Indonesia, as being one of the first Muslim countries to recognize Bangladesh during the lifetime of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
IORA Secretary General pays courtesy call on President Shahabuddin in Jakarta
Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association Dr. Salman Al Farisi on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The meeting was held at Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) in Indonesia.
During the meeting, the secretary general apprised the President of the activities of IORA, press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.
Bangladesh seeks pharmaceutical products, raw materials export to Indonesia
Lauding the initiative taken by Bangladesh for the development of IORA, he also briefed the President on the organization’s future plans.
He said they are planning to help landlock countries too.
Mentioning the recent development of Bangladesh as a milestone, President Shahabuddin said that many countries are now inspired by Bangladesh.
President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit
He assured that Bangladesh will play a big role to the development of IORA.
Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (rtd) Md Khurshed Alam and secretaries concerned to the President were also present during the meeting.
US, Indonesia and 5 other nations hold war drills amid China concerns
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.
ASEAN summit kicks off in Jakarta with focus on regional economic growth
The 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits kicked off in Indonesia's Jakarta on Tuesday (September 05, 2023), with the focus on establishing the region as an epicenter of economic growth.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose country is holding the rotating ASEAN chair this year, urged ASEAN to stay united and not be a proxy to any power.
"Don't make our ship, ASEAN, become an arena of rivalry that causes damages to each other. Make our ship the foundation to build cooperation and create prosperity, stability and peace, not only for the region but also for the world," he said.
During the next three days, leaders of ASEAN member nations are expected to discuss issues that would chart the future of ASEAN as a community and an institution.
Read: President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit
This includes steps to speed up the decision-making in crises and emergencies, as well as steps to bolster ASEAN's capacity to respond to emerging challenges in the region.
The summit under Indonesia's ASEAN chairmanship this year is themed "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth."
In the past decade, ASEAN's average annual growth reached 3.98 percent, above the global economic growth of 2.6 percent, showed ASEAN data.
Founded in 1967, ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Read: Southeast Asian leaders are besieged by thorny issues as they hold an ASEAN summit without Biden
Ad agency uses foreign footage in Philippines tourism video, later apologises
An advertising agency in the Philippines has apologised for using visuals of tourist attractions in other countries in a promotional film.
Visuals from the ad included rice terraces in Indonesia, sand dunes in the United Arab Emirates, and a plane landing in Switzerland, reports BBC.
The ad agency, DDB Philippines, apologised for the "unfortunate oversight," it said.
Also read: Bangladesh’s first tourism master plan yet to be formulated, was supposed to be completed last Dec
Christina Garcia Frasco, Philippines' tourism secretary, stated that public money was not utilised for the film.
According to Frasco, the Department of Tourism frequently sought confirmation from the agency that the elements used in the ad were their own and unique, said the report.
"ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the DOT that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order," she said.
Also read: Master plan for tourism in Bangladesh to be formulated in Dec: State Minister
It was created as part of the "Love the Philippines" campaign, which was launched in late June at a cost of $900,000, the BBC report added.
Analysis by French news agency AFP and Philippine blogger Sass Rogando Sasot first revealed the use of visuals from other nations in the ad.
Frasco stated that the department will ensure DDB Philippines accepts responsibility for the video.
Also read: “We very much value and welcome tourists from Bangladesh”
In its own response, DDB Philippines stated that the usage of stock material in mood films is common in the advertising industry, but it apologised for using other videos in this case, the report also said.
“The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the DOT's objectives,” it said.
The video has been withdrawn, and the company has stated that it would cooperate with the Philippines tourism department's inquiry.
Read more: These are the top 25 hotels in Asia, according to Tripadvisor