116 Rohingya refugees rescued by Indonesian fishermen off Aceh coast

Indonesian fishermen rescued 116 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, on Saturday after their boat sank off the coast of Aceh province, according to a local daily. (Pexels Photo)

By Anadolu, Philippine News Agency

ISTANBUL – Indonesian fishermen rescued 116 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, on Saturday after their boat sank off the coast of Aceh province, according to a local daily.

Jakarta Globe reported that the group had fled Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar refugee camp, hoping to reach Indonesia or Malaysia.

“They look very weak from hunger and dehydration,” said local police chief Nova Suryandaru. While residents provided immediate help, many locals were opposed to their long-term stay.

This rescue adds to the rising number of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar’s persecution, with over 1 million living in Bangladesh.

Indonesia has called for international assistance as the refugee crisis grows.