Dozens of police on Wednesday blocked a group of about 150 protesters who were trying to break through a gate and led officers to the area, according to footage shared on social media. Refugees were taking shelter.
“People can state their aspirations. We were only securing (the area). We directed our personnel to protect,” said Sabang police chief Erwan, who like many Indonesians goes by the same name. Are.”
“The situation is safe and under control. People were pushing the fence because they wanted to get in,” he said, referring to the area.
After the protesters left, Rohingya refugees held evening prayers at the site, according to a video shared with AFP by the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
“Thank God the Sabang government is upholding humanitarian values. Rohingya refugees are being given protection,” said Faisal Rahman, a UNHCR official.