Arakan News Agency
A Rohingya woman in Indonesia has fallen victim to human trafficking and severe physical and sexual abuse after being deceived by traffickers who promised protection and assistance, according to members of the Rohingya community in Pekanbaru.
Community sources said the woman was lured under the pretext of receiving help, but was instead subjected to brutal violence before being abandoned on the roadside in a critical physical and psychological condition.
Local residents later found the victim, identified as Haresa Bibi, and transferred her to a Rohingya camp in Pekanbaru, Rohingya Khobor reported.
Residents of the camp confirmed that she is suffering from severe psychological trauma and deep shock as a result of the abuse she endured.
A Rohingya refugee at the camp said the victim arrived “in a state of complete collapse, frightened and unable to communicate properly,” adding that the incident has deeply affected the entire community.
Another Rohingya woman described the case as a stark reminder of the dangers refugees face while fleeing persecution in search of safety, stressing the need to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar crimes.
Sources said local authorities and humanitarian volunteers have been informed of the incident, and efforts are underway to locate the victim’s family, ensure her protection, and gather information to identify those involved in the trafficking and abuse.
Haresa Bibi is currently receiving initial support at the camp, while those caring for her are calling for additional assistance, including specialized medical treatment, psychosocial support, and legal follow-up, as investigations continue.
The Rohingya community faces serious risks during displacement and irregular migration routes, particularly human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced labor, amid ongoing flight from persecution and insecurity in Arakan State.
The absence of adequate legal protection and safe asylum pathways in transit and host countries further increases their vulnerability.
Media and community reports indicate that trafficking networks continue to target Rohingya refugees—especially women—exploiting their fragile conditions and urgent need for safety and work. This has led to repeated cases of abuse and serious rights violations in several countries across the region, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
