The Alliance of Concerned Aceh Community for Rohingya (AMAPR) on Monday (May 25) paid tribute to the Acehnese fishermen for their courage in helping the Rohingya migrants stranded at sea. AMAPR Coordinator, Basri Effendy said the fishermen did heroic deeds and deserved to be honoured.
Although the fishermen risked their lives at sea trying to save the migrants, they were criticised by the government, who threatened to revoke their fishing license.
Looking at how heroic they were in trying to save the Rohingya, AMAPR is taking the initiative to recognise their efforts, said Mr Basri. He also urged the central and local governments to give the highest recognition to the fishermen, who helped the boat people even though they themselves faced limitations.
It is such a paradox, he said. The fishermen were so sincere in helping in the name of humanity.
The international community has now woken up to the plight of the Rohingyas, an ethnic minority persecuted and not given official status by their own country. In their sorrow, the Aceh community especially the fishermen showed empathy, so they should be recognised, Mr Basri added.
Next, is to determine if the migrants left their country of origin because of economic reasons, or otherwise. Humanitarian acts do not recognise any territorial boundaries, he said. So, in the name of humanity we hope the central and local governments acknowledge the fishermen as heroes of humanity.
Data obtained by merdeka.com showed that there are 1,759 Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants since the first wave of migrants landed in Indonesia on May 10. Of that number, 564 are temporarily settled in Kota Lhokseumawe, 672 in Kota Langsa, 476 in East Aceh and 47 in Aceh Tamiang.
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