Refugees continue to undertake perilous sea journeys across the Andaman Sea, primarily consisting of Rohingya fleeing dire circumstances in Myanmar and Bangladesh. In 2025, an alarming total of 5,160 refugees set sail on 131 boats, often under hazardous conditions.
High Risks for Rohingya Refugees
Most of these vessels are overcrowded and unsafe. Tragically, nearly one in five individuals traveling across the Andaman Sea has been reported dead or missing, as highlighted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The unpredictable nature of sea travel poses significant challenges for emergency services, further complicating rescue efforts.
Regional Commitments and Challenges
- In 2010, the ASEAN Declaration on Search and Rescue Operations at Sea underscored the importance of preserving lives at sea.
- Search and rescue operations in the region face significant hurdles due to political restrictions and limited budgets of Southeast Asian nations.
- Underfunding and fragmented services slow response, heightening the risk of fatalities.
Public-Private Partnerships as a Solution
To enhance the effectiveness of maritime response, a public-private partnership model is suggested. This approach can unify state authority and maritime security with financial contributions from the private sector. Such collaborations have proven successful in other regions, like the Mediterranean Sea.
Role of Islamic Philanthropy
Islamic philanthropic organizations can play a crucial role in these efforts. Since its inception in 2012, the Southeast Asia Humanitarian Committee (SEAHUM) has worked towards improving humanitarian responses for the Rohingya community. Notable efforts have included funding shelters and providing food assistance.
- Islamic charitable schemes such as zakat, waqf, infaq, and sadaqah support these humanitarian efforts.
- In 2024, approximately 43 trillion rupiah ($2.8 billion) was raised by major Indonesian institutions, indicating a robust capacity for funding.
Global Impact of Islamic Philanthropy
Moreover, Islamic philanthropy has expanded its reach in global refugee support. In 2023, it aided nearly 2 million refugees and internally displaced people across 23 countries, demonstrating strong commitment and capability.
Operational Improvements through Funding
Institutions like Dompet Dhuafa’s Disaster Management Centre, with expertise in marine rescue, can enhance search and rescue capabilities in the Andaman Sea. Funding can facilitate improvements in:
- Communication systems and tracking technology.
- Technical training for search and rescue operations.
Implementing a collaborative model that leverages Islamic philanthropic funding could directly address operational challenges in maritime rescue efforts. By strengthening regional networks like SEAHUM, Islamic organizations can effectively engage with state authorities, ensuring that operational control remains with national governments while enhancing humanitarian capacity in the Andaman Sea.
