BURMESE ROHINGYA UPDATE -- GOI WORKING WITHIN THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001257 SIPDIS DEPT OF EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, PRM, DRL NSC FOR JBADER E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV PREF ID BM SUBJECT: BURMESE ROHINGYA UPDATE -- GOI WORKING WITHIN THE BALI PROCESS REF: JAKARTA 928 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d) ¶1. (U) This message was coordinated with Consulate Medan. ¶2. (C) SUMMARY: Indonesia and other members of the Bali Process are meeting July 27-29 in Bali to discuss Asia-Pacific migrant-related issues. One key topic involves the Burmese Rohingya migrants now in Sumatra and what to do about them. The GOI would like to send them back to Burma, if possible, or move them to some other third country, such as Bangladesh. In making these points, the GOI has said it will operate per international law and in conformity with international standards. In the meantime, of the total of about 200 original migrants who arrived in Indonesia earlier this year, a large number have escaped from their isolated camps into the general population. END SUMMARY. WORKING WITHIN THE BALI PROCESS ¶3. (SBU) Senior officials from Indonesia, Australia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are currently holding a Bali Process meeting. The Process, which was founded in 2002, is a forum in which Asia-Pacific countries discuss migrant- and trafficking-related issues. The Process is jointly chaired by the Indonesian and Australian governments. Representatives from 13 countries, the UN and other international organizations are in attendance in Bali. ¶4. (C) Indonesian officials have told us that, for the GOI, a key focus of the Bali Process discussions concerns the Rohingya migrants in Sumatra. (Note: The Rohingyas plus some Bangladeshis arrived in boats in two tranches earlier this year. They are detained in camps in Aceh, Sumatra.) The GOI would like to send them back to Burma, if possible, or move them to some other third country, such as Bangladesh (see more below). In making these points, the GOI has said it will operate per international law and in conformity with international standards. GOI contacts have told us that they hope to use the Bali Process meeting to highlight the problem and as a way to access additional international assistance for the migrant's care. (Note: Both the U.S. and Australian governments have provided some assistance for the migrants.) ROHINGYA SITUATION IN SUMATRA ¶5. (C) The migrants are being taken care of by the GOI in camps in Aceh. The situation is said to remain positive overall, but some tension is developing as the tenure of the migrants lengthens. Local officials and the national government remain at odds over the government's handling of the migrants, with local officials hoping for a quick resolution. The Indonesian government says it is trying to accomplish this, but admits it is not an easy issue to resolve. ¶6. (SBU) In the meantime, out of the 198 original migrants, 65 have reportedly escaped from the camps into the general populace. Some of the escapees have been recaptured and are currently in the custody of Indonesian immigration officials in Medan. International Organization for Migration (IOM) officials told us that relocating the refugees to new camps that are less isolated would improve living conditions and security for the migrants. IOM is continuing to work with the GOI and local bodies to locate possible areas for placement. TRYING TO RESETTLE MIGRANTS ¶7. (C) While acknowledging that the Indonesian government's record has been largely a positive one, UNHCR is actively monitoring the situation to ensure that the migrants are treated fairly. UNHCR officials say they are also working to find a new home for the migrants, but have not had much luck, so far (the migrants overwhelmingly do not want to return to Burma, fearing persecution there). DEPLU officials have told us that Bangladesh might be willing to accept some of the migrants. Mission has urged the Indonesian government to continue to exercise patience, and to provide additional assistance to local authorities as they attempt to deal with the migrants and their needs. HUME