The Aceh provincial authorities have said that Indonesia will escort the boat carrying 44 Australia-bound Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers back to international waters after repairs on Friday.
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Wednesday issued instructions to Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah to temporarily host the asylum seekers for food and boat repairs.
The group of 44 Tamil refugees were stranded in Lhoknga Coast, after the engine of their Indian-flagged boat broke down and drifted to the shore on June 11, reports Colombo Page.
The group had set out from India and was travelling for 20 days.
According to reports, the group illegally migrating to Australia remained on the boat after it was left stranding for six days as the Aceh authorities did not allow them to pass by.
Meanwhile, the Aceh administration has given them seven tons of fuel to continue their trip to wherever they go next.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app