Pesantren told to help resolve Rohingya refugee crisis

Mojokerto, NU Online
Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called for support from pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Mojokerto regency, East Java, to help resolve the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis in Aceh.<>

“We are in the process of securing solid commitments from several parties to help take care Rohingya refugees, especially those who are orphans or all alone in the world,” she said as quoted by Antara during a visit to Riyadlul Jannah pesantren in Pacet village, Pacet district, Mojokerto regency, on Saturday evening.

Khofifah said 231 Rohingya refugees were orphaned children and all alone in the world.

“More than 300 pesantren in Banyuwangi have said they are ready to accommodate the Rohingya refugees,” she said, adding that the pesantren had conveyed their readiness either orally or in writing.

Khofifah said 13 pesantren had sent official letters, which explained their readiness to guarantee 100 percent the needs of the Rohingya refugees, to the Social Affairs Ministry.

“Apart from basic needs, the refugees also need trauma recovery support via trauma healing and counseling programs,” she said.

During the visit, Riyadlul Jannah head Kyai Mahfud said his pesantren was ready to take care of Rohingya refugees.

“We are ready to take care of the refugees – no matter how many people the government entrusts to us. However, their legality or citizenship must first be made clear so they won’t be any problem in the future,” he said. (masdar)