Migrants stranded in Indonesia hope to reach Australia
Published on 20 Jun 2016 1:01:52 PM
Indonesian authorities have set up temporary tents for 44 Sri Lankan migrants stranded on a beach.
Their boat broke down and they pleaded with officials to let them on shore.
The migrants say they're fleeing worsening conditions in northern Sri Lanka.
Many of them want to get to Australia.
Indonesian lawmaker, Nasir Djamil:
(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) INDONESIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER, NASIR DJAMIL SAYING:
"We are trying to get in touch with Sri Lanka's government to decide their fate and register them, and then send them back to their country, but they are still hoping to go to Australia and get a job there."
Every year, hundreds of migrants make the dangerous journey from various parts of Asia to try to reach Australia or Malaysia.
Indonesian authorities have set up temporary tents for 44 Sri Lankan migrants stranded on a beach.
Their boat broke down and they pleaded with officials to let them on shore.
The migrants say they're fleeing worsening conditions in northern Sri Lanka.
Many of them want to get to Australia.
Indonesian lawmaker, Nasir Djamil:
(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) INDONESIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER, NASIR DJAMIL SAYING:
"We are trying to get in touch with Sri Lanka's government to decide their fate and register them, and then send them back to their country, but they are still hoping to go to Australia and get a job there."
Every year, hundreds of migrants make the dangerous journey from various parts of Asia to try to reach Australia or Malaysia.