Students in Aceh province, Indonesia, are protesting against the rising number of Rohingya refugees.

In Aceh province, Indonesia, more than 200 students rallied in front of the provincial parliament, demanding the government expel Rohingya refugees who have been arriving by sea. Over 1,500 Rohingya, fleeing violence in Myanmar and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, have reached Aceh since November. The protesters voiced concerns about potential social and economic upheaval, directing their ire at the government and the U.N. refugee agency for perceived mismanagement.

Chanting slogans like "Get out Rohingya," the students urged lawmakers to take decisive action. The protest escalated as demonstrators burned tires on the streets and confronted a group of about 137 Rohingya seeking shelter in a local community hall. The refugees, mostly women and children, were forcibly placed on trucks by the protesters, leading to an outcry from human rights groups and the UNHCR.

The UNHCR emphasized that the Rohingya are victims of persecution and conflict, and survivors of dangerous sea journeys. The agency urged local authorities to protect the refugees and humanitarian workers, condemning the attack for leaving the Rohingya shocked and traumatized.

Indonesia, once tolerant of Rohingya refugees, now faces growing hostility from some residents, pressuring President Joko Widodo's government to address the situation. Police in Banda Aceh named two more suspected human smugglers from Bangladesh and Myanmar, following the Dec. 10 arrival of a boat carrying refugees. The government suspects a surge in human trafficking is contributing to the increased Rohingya arrivals.

Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya to Myanmar have failed due to concerns about their safety, as they face denial of citizenship rights and widespread discrimination in the Buddhist-majority country. The situation underscores the challenges of managing refugee influxes and the need for a coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations.