TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative Thomas Vargas met with Vice President Jusuf Kalla to discuss the influx of Rohingya refugees who reached shore in Aceh.
"We had a fruitful discussion. I'm grateful for Indonesia's response in helping humanitarian needs and issues policy to share the responsibility," said Thomas on Wednesday.
Thomas said the UNHCR aas really grateful for the help by the Indonesian government to Rohingya refugees. He also said that the talks with Jusuf Kalla were about how to handle the Rohingya refugees.
According to Thomas, a concrete solution is necessary to deal with the problem faced by Rohingya refugees. "The important thing is that governments of related countries must share responsibility," he said.
Thomas also advised the Indonesian government to build new shelters for the refugees. "That can be one of the options," he said.
He went on to say that related countries must also help re-unite the Rohingya refugees with their families. "This is important and this is what I hope I can see from the international community."
Thomas added the UNHCR and other international institutions would help Indonesia deal with Rohingya refugees. Around 1,300 Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees were stranded in Sumatera waters. Activists are worried that thousands of other refugees had drowned between the Mallaca Strait and the Andaman Sea.
REZA ADITYA