More than 500 Rohingya refugees have reached Indonesia’s westernmost province of Aceh on Sunday, marking the largest single arrival of the persecuted minority group since Myanmar’s military crackdown in 2017. 

These vulnerable individuals, fleeing systematic oppression in their homeland, embarked on perilous sea journeys, braving treacherous waters and cramped conditions, in a desperate bid to find safety and a semblance of normalcy.

The United Nations refugee agency confirmed the arrival of three boats carrying 256, 239, and 36 Rohingya refugees, respectively, in Bireuen, Pidie, and East Aceh districts of Aceh Province. 

United Nations refugee agency protection associate Faisal Rahman told AFP said “They were found in several spots,” Rahman said Sunday.

“Of the 256 aboard the Bireuen boat, 110 were women and 60 were children,”

These individuals, predominantly women and children, had previously been denied entry, forcing them to remain stranded at sea for several days.

The recent influx of refugees brings the total number of Rohingya arrivals in Aceh Province this week to over 800, further straining the region’s resources and highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the Rohingya crisis.

The refugees were initially held at temporary shelters while awaiting a decision from Indonesian authorities regarding their fate. While their overall health appeared satisfactory, the psychological trauma and uncertainty surrounding their future remain significant concerns.

The decision on their status lies with “other institutions,” according to Bireuen regional secretary Ibrahim Ahmad, reiterating the complex and multifaceted nature of the Rohingya refugee crisis.

In Pidie, Marfian, a local fishing community spokesperson, confirmed the overnight arrival of a boat carrying nearly 250 refugees. 

This latest wave of arrivals underscores the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people, who continue to risk their lives in search of refuge from persecution and violence.

According to UNHCR, over 2,000 Rohingya attempted the perilous journey to Southeast Asian countries in 2022 alone, with nearly 200 losing their lives or going missing in the process. The magnitude of this crisis calls for immediate and concerted action from the international community to address the root causes of Rohingya displacement and provide lasting solutions for this vulnerable population.