by Hafizur Rahman
May 1, 2026 — Rohingya refugees living in Indonesia are facing increasing hardship as access to basic services and financial support becomes more limited, according to available information.
Around 2,000 Rohingya refugees are currently in Indonesia. More than 1,300 are in Pekanbaru in Riau province, while others are staying in Aceh and Medan.
Since early 2026, many refugees have struggled to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Support from the International Organization for Migration has been reduced, with assistance now limited to vulnerable groups including families with young children, pregnant women, and elderly people. Many others are receiving no support.
Hamidul Hoque, a Rohingya youth and social worker, said refugees are facing daily difficulties and uncertainty about their future. He also warned others not to attempt travel to Indonesia through unsafe routes due to the current conditions and limited assistance.
Refugees also face challenges linked to negative public perception, partly associated with ongoing smuggling activities, which has affected their safety and dignity.
Rohingya in Indonesia have called on the international community, ASEAN, and humanitarian organisations to take urgent action to provide protection, fair assistance, and pathways to live with dignity.
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