Stranded at Sea: Rohingya Refugees in Peril Off Indonesian Coast

Approximately 140 Rohingya refugees, primarily women and children, are stranded off Indonesia's Aceh province. After a perilous journey from Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, tensions rise as local communities deny them landing. Health deteriorates aboard, and arrests are made for alleged people smuggling. The crisis highlights the plight of the stateless Rohingya people.

An estimated 140 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, remain stranded on a wooden vessel off the coast of Aceh, Indonesia. Despite urgent needs, local residents have denied the group access to land, citing concerns over potential unrest.

After a difficult journey from Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, which resulted in three fatalities, the Rohingya find themselves in a perilous situation. Authorities have transferred several individuals to a hospital amid worsening health conditions. Meanwhile, community tensions persist, with visible signs of rejection displayed at the local seaport.

Police have arrested three individuals on allegations of people smuggling, as the arrival of refugees continues to challenge regional and international policies regarding displaced populations. The situation underscores the broader struggles faced by the Rohingya, who remain largely stateless and disenfranchised.

(With inputs from agencies.)