UPTICK IN NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ON WAY TO AUSTRALIA

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001895 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/PD, EAP/RSP, DRL NSC FOR D.WALTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF ID AS CE AF SUBJECT: UPTICK IN NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ON WAY TO AUSTRALIA REF: JAKARTA 01793 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please handle accordingly. It was coordinated with Consulate General Surabaya. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: The GOI is intercepting a rising number of migrants on their way to Australia. Over 100 Afghan migrants were detained in two tranches on November 14. In the meantime, Sri Lankan migrants, who arrived in groups of 78 and 255 in October, remain on their ships close to shore at sites in Sumatra and Java, respectively. Immigration officials continue to work closely with UNHCR and IOM to process the asylum seekers. Concerned that the numbers of migrants from conflict-impacted regions will only grow, the GOI is working with Australia on a longer term solution to the problem. END SUMMARY. UPTICK IN NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ¶3. (SBU) Indonesia is dealing with an uptick in migrants. Indonesian immigration officials have told poloff that the GOI has intercepted more irregular migrants en route to Australia this year than in previous years. The GOI is tabulating figures on the exact number of migrants and will pass them to Mission when available. ¶4. (SBU) In the meantime, two separate tranches of Afghan migrants were detained on November 14. One group was detained off of Rote Island in eastern Indonesia and the other off of Banten Province, Java Island. The police reportedly had to fire on the group of 61 in eastern Indonesia in order to stop them from moving their boat further out to sea. The group of 41 was detained as they were boarding a fishing boat off of Banten. The police transferred the migrants to local immigration detention centers. Officials in Rote Island and Banten are scrambling for funds to feed and house the detainees. UPDATE ON SRI LANKAN MIGRANTS ¶5. (SBU) As reported reftel, two groups of Sri Lankan irregular migrants were intercepted by Indonesian authorities in October. The first group of 250 is still on a cargo ship in West Java. Although several members have disembarked for medical treatment, the majority remain on board waiting for the GOI to clarify their legal status. In south Sumatra, a group of 78 Sri Lankans was taken into port in late October. The UNHCR is processing the 22 who left their ship late last week. The IOM, in coordination with the GOI, is providing food for both groups. NEXT STEPS ¶6. (SBU) Indonesian immigration officials, in coordination with Interpol, the national police and the navy, continue to work closely with UNHCR and IOM to process the asylum seekers. The GOI is also working with Australia on a longer term plan to deal with the problem. GOI and local officials are deeply concerned about the increasing inflow of asylum seekers, noting that supplies, housing and funds are not adequate to deal with the growing problem. Local officials are hopeful that Indonesia and Australia will develop a workable plan to stem the flow. OSIUS