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