Rohingya and Aceh: When Religion and Culture Play its Role

Abstract

Objective: This research will explore the actor's perspective on the presence of Rohingya refugees in Aceh after the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that the people of Aceh and Indonesia have generally accepted the Rohingya for reasons related to religion and local wisdom, where these two things are interrelated and cannot be separated in the life of the people of Aceh. This condition could be different if, one day, refugees come from different religious and cultural backgrounds from the people of Aceh. Method: To prove this argument, the authors used mixed-method research by combining survey and interview data, analysing using a deductive approach and describing qualitatively. The survey was conducted on 267 respondents between June 2021 and August 2022. Results: The results showed that although the majority of people accept Rohingya refugees in Aceh, temporarily or permanently, there are still a small number who reject them. The most dominant reasons for acceptance are humanity and morality based on religion and local wisdom. The reasons for refusal were generally due to the unsettled condition of the Indonesian people's economic welfare and the potential for conflict between refugees and the community around the shelter. Conclusion: This condition proves that in Acehnese society, religious values and local wisdom are still very influential, especially in responding to the presence of the Rohingya in Aceh. Recommendation: Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers, central government and regional governments should prepare proper regulations, treatment models and integration processes by taking into account religious values and local wisdom and involving local communities and religious leaders in the handling process. Originality/Value: Findings contribute to a scholarly understanding of religious elements and local wisdom in the people of Aceh, especially towards the presence of the Rohingya.