Indonesia Roundup: Rohingya refugees, Starlink operations centre, Hajj pilgrims

Arrival of Rohingya refugees in Indonesia

Several Rohingya refugees arrived in North Sumatra, Indonesia via boat to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar. The UNHCR reported that they were primarily women and children, who were provided with health screenings, water, and food upon arrival. However, the refugees have faced hostility from local Indonesians, with hundreds perishing or disappearing while seeking refuge. Human Rights Watch has urged Indonesia to safeguard the well-being of the refugees and investigate online incitement of violence against them. The Rohingya have been targeted by the military in Myanmar, leading many to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Indonesia.

Minister urges Starlink to open operations centre in Indonesia

Minister Budi Arie Setiadi urges Starlink to open a network operations centre (NOC) in Indonesia to monitor and control internet access to prevent illegal activities. "Starlink should have an NOC in Indonesia, so the government can control and monitor the use of internet access in the country to prevent acts of online gambling, pornography, separatism, and prohibited activities according to the law and regulation," he said. Starlink has been operating in Indonesia since May 2024 and has obtained the necessary licenses and permits. The presence of Starlink is expected to help provide internet services in remote areas, state agency Antara News reports.

Indonesia and Malaysia hold joint air patrol

Indonesia and Malaysia conducted a joint air patrol over the Malacca Strait using F-16s and F-18 Hornets to maintain peace and security in the important trade route. The joint patrol aims to strengthen regional peace and security and safeguard the countries' air sovereignty, Antara News reports.

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia

Over 90,000 Indonesian Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia, with 11 reported deaths, according to the state news agency. The pilgrims will fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam with the help of "Badal Hajj." Indonesia secured a pilgrim quota of 241,000 for this year, including an additional 20,000 pilgrims approved by the King of Saudi Arabia.  According to Antara, President Joko Widodo secured the additional quota during a bilateral meeting in October 2023.

Commitment to stable ASEAN

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN stability and security, aiming to prevent the region from becoming a hotspot of conflict. The country is also focusing on mitigating risks related to geopolitical issues and ensuring food self-sufficiency in the region. This commitment was reiterated by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, at the 29th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. "All ASEAN leaders await steps taken by Indonesia, considering the country's major role. Hence, we in the ASEAN must preserve our togetherness to prevent our region from becoming a conflict zone,"  the minister said.