Jakarta: The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reinstated humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Indonesia, the agency confirmed on Tuesday. This comes shortly after reports revealed aid cuts affecting over 900 refugees due to major funding challenges, primarily following reductions by its largest donor, the United States.
Jeff Labovitz, IOM’s chief of mission to Indonesia, stated that support has been fully restored, including services for Rohingya refugees in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. “Our largest programme to provide humanitarian assistance has been reinstated. I can confirm there is no current planned reduction in services,” he said.
An IOM statement added that alternative funding strategies were explored, allowing the organization to maintain critical aid efforts.
Currently, there are around 2,800 Rohingya refugees in Indonesia, according to the UN. Most of them are escaping persecution and dire conditions in Myanmar and neighboring regions, often making perilous sea journeys to reach safety.