- Author: Yogi Febriandi
- From: SPK CRCS UGM
Abstract:
This paper investigated the role of the tradition peumulia jamee in dealing with Rohingya and Bangladesh refugees in Aceh, 2015-2016. Peumulia Jamee in Indonesian means ?honoring guests?. It has been a tradition for respecting guests which is still preserved in the social life of the people in Aceh. In May 2015, peumulia jamee tradition played an important role in the dealing with Rohingya and Bangladesh refugees in Kuala Langsa, Aceh in 2015-2016. In May 2015, Aceh received several thousands of Rohingya and Bangladesh refugees. Legally and politically, the presence of foreign refugees is an illegal act. Therefore, in May 2015 the central government rejected the presence of Rohingya and Bangladesh refugees. In contrast with the attitude of the central government, the people of Aceh welcomed and took care of the Rohingya and Bangladesh exiles. It was found that the Acehnese people?s initiative to provide accommodation and take care of Rohingya and Bangladesh refugees was based on the consciousness of humanity and responsibility to honor guests (Peumulia Jamee). This study used qualitative study to describe the role of the tradition peumulia jamee in dealing with foreign refugees through culture. The data was gathered through interview and documentation aimed at presenting the conditions during the handling of Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees in Kuala Langsa. The study found that 1) the tradition peumulia jamee played a significant role in managing disaster regardless of religion 2) the tradition peumulia jamee was an instrument to minimize conflicts between local communities and the refugees.
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