Indonesian authorities have opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse made by four Rohingya women residing at an immigration shelter in Aceh province, amid conflicting accounts from refugees and aid workers.

A North Aceh government spokesman, Amir Hamzah, confirmed on Wednesday that police are examining the claims. “We seek to figure out the real incident,” he said, noting that authorities are still gathering evidence and testimonies.

The allegations stem from an incident earlier this week when nine Rohingya refugees including the four women, reportedly escaped from the Blang Ado shelter in North Aceh Regency by climbing over a two-meter fence. According to fellow refugee Muhammad Rasyid, the group intended to travel onward to Malaysia, where a larger Rohingya community and better job opportunities are believed to exist.

According to Anadolu Ajansı, the women later claimed they were ambushed by unidentified men after leaving the camp, with the women subjected to sexual violence while the men were assaulted and stripped.

However, these allegations have been strongly disputed by local representatives of the humanitarian organisation Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT), which helps manage the shelter. ACT volunteer Zulkarnain suggested the claims were fabricated after the group was detained by locals who suspected them of carrying weapons.

“After returning to the shelter, they tried to provoke anger among other migrants by accusing authorities of abuse,” he said.

The nine individuals were subsequently returned to the camp after questioning by police and aid workers. Tensions rose within the shelter as other refugees reportedly attempted to prevent the women from leaving, fearing further harm. At one point, around 100 migrants attempted to exit the facility but were stopped by law enforcement.

In response to the allegations, the National Committee for Rohingya Solidarity arranged for the four women to undergo medical examinations at a local hospital. Chairman Mustafa MY Tiba stated that the tests are crucial to verify the claims and determine appropriate legal action.

ACT officials have said they are awaiting the results of the medical reports before drawing conclusions. “It looks like the claim may not be accurate, but we will rely on the examination findings,” an ACT spokesman said.

The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing displacement among Rohingya refugees, who have fled systemic persecution in Myanmar since violence escalated in 2012. Many have undertaken dangerous sea journeys across Southeast Asia, aiming to reach Malaysia in search of safety and economic opportunity.

Indonesia’s Aceh province has been a frequent landing point during the regional “boat people” crisis, with over 1,700 migrants currently sheltered in the area, according to UN refugee agency data.

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