REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The waves of Rohingya refugees is recorded have been already problem in Indonesia. To address this humanitarian issue, representative of UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) met Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Vice President's office, Jakarta, this afternoon.

 Representative of UNHCR, Thomas Vargas, stated in this meeting that UNHCR ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees who arrived in Indonesia. They also discussed the role of the international community, especially neighboring countries in dealing with the thousands of residents who fled from their countries.

"UNHCR is always ready to help the government to take care of these refugees, as well as relevant partners, should have a duty to ensure the aids were given to the people who are in need,” Vargas said after meeting Vice President JK in the office of the Vice President, Jakarta, on Wednesday, May 20.

Furthermore, he said that most of the refugees are women and children. UNHCR together with International Organization for Migration (IOM) will cooperate with the government and relevant parties to find solutions to the handling of this issue.

In the meeting, Vargas also requested that a number of countries, including Indonesia, for sharing responsibility and providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees.

"I am grateful for the good response from the government and people of Indonesia to assist humanitarian needs and agreed to government policy to responsible for each other," said Vargas.

He also affirmed that the government should prioritize to save the refugees and distribute aids. In addition, he requested that the handling of the boat people's solution is found soon.

Not only that, Vargas said a number of surrounding countries also need to work together to reunite refugees with their families considering the number of refugee are women and children. Related to placement options to refugees, Vargas assessed it could be one of the options which is being considered.

Previously, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi said since last week it was registered 1,346 Rohingya refugees in Indonesia.

Retno said, they arrive in four times. The first time consisted of 558 people. After that came another refugee with the number of 644 refugees. Then, the third time with 47 people and the fourth were 96 people.

"We already take care of them, in the form of the provision of shelter, board, food and medicines were needed," he said in the office of President.

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