Navy drives away refugees

Navy drives away refugees

CIREBON, West Java: The Indonesian naval fleet based in
Cirebon, West Java, has managed to drive away a small passenger
ship with South Asian refugees intending to enter the country.

Cirebon naval base commandant Col. Budhi S. Yitno told The
Jakarta Post last weekend in Cirebon that before escorting the
foreign vessel out of Indonesian waters on Wednesday, it had been
provided with supplies.

Around 32 refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh
were on board the ship, which departed from the port of Belitung
in Bangka-Belitung on Tuesday.

"We sent them into international waters before berthing at
Cirebon to prevent any grave problems, such as the smuggling of
explosives or illicit drugs," added Budhi.

Western Armada Commander Rear Adm. Sumardjono, when visiting
Cirebon on Thursday, said the refugees had left their countries
due to worsening conditions and had intended to request asylum
from the Indonesian government. --- JP