Indonesia to keep standing by Rohingyas

Visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo yesterday said Bangladesh has set an example of humanity by sheltering over a million displaced people from the Rakhine State and assured of staying beside the Rohingyas.

He highly appreciated Bangladesh and its people for the generosity and humanitarian gesture. "Bangladesh truly deserves appreciation for that."

The Indonesian president made the remarks while visiting Rohingya camps in the district.

Since August 25, over 688,000 Rohingyas have fled from Myanmar into Bangladesh.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, 3rd from right, interacts with Rohingya children during a visit to a refugee camp in Ukhia's Palongkhali in Cox's Bazar yesterday. Photo: Star

President Widodo visited Indonesian government-run field hospital, children education centre and water supply facilities in a camp. He also presented some toys to Rohingya children.

Indonesian First Lady Iriana Widodo and Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, among others, were present at that time.

The Indonesian president went to Jamtali Rohingya camp in Ukhia around 2:30pm.

He interacted with a number of children and Rohingya women and listened to the horrific tales of tortures they had faced.

Earlier, the Indonesian president reiterated his country's support to safe, dignified return of the displaced people to Rakhine.

President Widodo appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for sheltering over a million displaced persons from Rakhine State.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appreciated Indonesia's supportive role, including the humanitarian assistance for the displaced people sheltered in Bangladesh.