In a shocking incident fueled by online hate speech and misinformation, a group of Indonesian university students stormed a temporary shelter housing Rohingya refugees in Banda Aceh, demanding their deportation. The incident has drawn condemnation from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and highlights the growing hostility towards Rohingya refugees in Indonesia.

The students, wearing jackets with the insignias of various Indonesian universities, gathered outside the government-owned hall that was sheltering 137 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. They chanted slogans such as "kick them out" and "reject Rohingyas in Aceh," as women and children watched in tears and praying men looked on in dismay.

Amidst the chaotic scene, the mob managed to break through police cordon and forcibly loaded the refugees onto trucks. The refugees, some carrying their belongings in plastic bags, were then transferred to another location in Banda Aceh. The traumatizing incident has left the refugees shocked and in distress.

The UNHCR strongly condemned the incident, attributing it to a coordinated online campaign of misinformation and hate speech. The agency highlighted the danger of such campaigns, which can incite violence against vulnerable communities and exacerbate tensions in already volatile situations.

The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group residing in western Myanmar, have been fleeing their homeland due to escalating discrimination and abuse. Seeking a better life, they utilize boats to escape to neighboring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Since November, over 1,500 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Indonesia, marking the largest influx in years. The growing number of arrivals has ignited frustration and hostility among locals.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo attributed the recent surge in Rohingya arrivals to human trafficking but promised to provide temporary shelter in collaboration with international organizations. However, the incident in Banda Aceh underscores the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in Indonesia, with local sentiments increasingly disapproving of their arrival.

As the international community grapples with finding a sustainable solution for the plight of Rohingya refugees, it is crucial to address the root causes driving their displacement and ensure the protection of their rights. Efforts must be intensified to counter online hate speech, promote tolerance, and foster empathy towards these vulnerable populations.