Pesantren told to help resolve Rohingya refugee crisis

<p>Mojokerto, <em><strong>NU Online</strong></em><br />Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has called for support from pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Mojokerto regency, East Java, to help resolve the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis in Aceh.<><br /><br />&ldquo;We are in the process of securing solid commitments from several parties to help take care Rohingya refugees, especially those who are orphans or all alone in the world,&rdquo; she said as quoted by Antara during a visit to Riyadlul Jannah pesantren in Pacet village, Pacet district, Mojokerto regency, on Saturday evening.<br /><br />Khofifah said 231 Rohingya refugees were orphaned children and all alone in the world.<br /><br />&ldquo;More than 300 pesantren in Banyuwangi have said they are ready to accommodate the Rohingya refugees,&rdquo; she said, adding that the pesantren had conveyed their readiness either orally or in writing.<br /><br />Khofifah said 13 pesantren had sent official letters, which explained their readiness to guarantee 100 percent the needs of the Rohingya refugees, to the Social Affairs Ministry.<br /><br />&ldquo;Apart from basic needs, the refugees also need trauma recovery support via trauma healing and counseling programs,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />During the visit, Riyadlul Jannah head Kyai Mahfud said his pesantren was ready to take care of Rohingya refugees.<br /><br />&ldquo;We are ready to take care of the refugees &ndash; no matter how many people the government entrusts to us. However, their legality or citizenship must first be made clear so they won&rsquo;t be any problem in the future,&rdquo; he said. <strong>(masdar)</strong></p>

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