https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2022/12/26/rohingya-land-on-indonesian-beach-after-weeks-at-sea
After continuing attacks upon the Rohingya people in Myanmar, a recent vessel lost at sea, holding a group of 58 Rohingya men, has landed in Indonesia near the Aceh Besar district. Those on the boat had been stuck at sea for more than a month. It has also been presumed that another boat, holding nearly 180 Rohingya people, including men, women, and children, drowned while making the same journey to escape Myanmar. While Indonesia is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, it assisted when the ship arrived on its shores.Journeys similar to those of the ones who landed in Indonesia have been made ever since the attacks in 2017 against the Rohingya by Myanmar’s government. The target destination is commonly Malaysia; however, many, upon arriving, have faced detention.
The oppression and violence that the Rohingya have faced is nothing less than horrific. The systematic discrimination and targeted violence in Myanmar have led to thousands of deaths and left the Rohingya people stateless. It is my hope that the recent displays of violence, including bombings, arson, and mass rapes, will lead to foreign intervention. While help from countries such as Indonesia is great, the lack of foreign aid and continuing ignorance from other countries only help fuel the attacks and a dominant solution that “protects” Myanmar’s sovereignty and control.
Through a realist lens, the actions of the Myanmar government can be seen as an example of how states prioritize their own security and interests over the rights of minority groups near their borders. The Myanmar government has and will continue to act against what they perceive as “Muslim dominance.” The Rohingya are seen as a threat to Myanmar, and seeing as helping them isn’t in any nation’s specific national interests, it is likely that they will continue to be ignored. Luckily, with the help of the UN and their liberal morals, many countries have agreements stating that refugees will be accepted and helped, but it will take more to help the Rohingya achieve their refuge. Escape isn’t an option for many along the border, and without any help, it seems the problem will persist indefinitely.